Anthrax Awareness: Oyo State Government Educates Butchers and Livestock Traders

In a proactive move, the Oyo State Government conducted an educational session on Tuesday, aimed at sensitizing butchers and livestock dealers about the menacing anthrax disease.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to heighten surveillance in abattoirs, effectively detecting and preventing the spread of this hazardous animal ailment.

Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized that this awareness campaign forms an integral component of the state’s preventive measures against an anthrax outbreak. Anthrax, a severe infectious disease originating from the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, occurs naturally in the soil and impacts both domestic and wild animals.

Olaleye noted that people can fall ill with anthrax if they come into contact with contaminated animals or animal products. The primary goal of the sensitization was to disseminate essential information to key stakeholders, particularly butchers, cattle dealers, sellers, and consumers, outlining the crucial steps to avoid contracting the anthrax disease.

The Commissioner clarified that there are currently no suspected or confirmed cases of anthrax in the state. However, he underscored the importance of adhering to preventive measures. The awareness drive aims to enlighten people about the strategies for preventing and controlling the menace of anthrax.

Olaleye emphasized the significance of butchers and cattle dealers knowing the symptoms of anthrax and understanding how to prevent it. He highlighted that the state government, under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde, has deployed resources and engaged relevant stakeholders to curb the potential outbreak of anthrax. Veterinary doctors and agricultural directors across the 33 local governments have been alerted to remain vigilant.

The Commissioner called upon the butchers’ association, cattle dealers, and sellers to collaborate with the government by ensuring that veterinary doctors thoroughly assess cattle before slaughter. He advised the public to be cautious about the animals they consume, as the disease can only be contracted through animals.

Dr. Mrs. Mofoluwake Ibitoye, Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, elaborated on anthrax, describing it as an infectious disease caused by the Bacillus anthracis bacteria, which naturally exists in soil and affects both domestic and wild animals. She shared that affected animals exhibit symptoms such as loss of appetite, weakness, and fever before succumbing to a hemorrhagic death characterized by unclotted bleeding from various orifices.

Dr. Ibitoye emphasized the Ministry’s collaboration with other agencies to enhance public awareness of the disease. She urged butchers and the general public to exercise caution, patronizing only government-approved abattoirs and selecting hygienic animals for consumption.

Nureni Areo, Chairman of the Butchers Association in the Ibadan North Chapter, lauded the government’s proactive stance and called for rigorous enforcement. He encouraged the use of government-approved abattoirs and suggested stringent screening of animals before entry into the state. Areo assured the government of the association’s full support.

The anthrax awareness campaign reached key locations, including the Amosun Central Abattoir, Lam Adesina International Cattle Market, and Goat Sellers Market in Akinyele Local Government, among others.