Eat ‘Ponmo’ And Die – NCDC Warns Nigerians Against Anthrax

Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has urged that Nigerians cease eating animal skins, popularly known as ponmo, bush meat, and dead animals “you did not kill.”

According to TopNaija.ng, the warning comes after the Federal Government detected anthrax at a farm in Niger State.

The first incidence of the illness epidemic was discovered on a multi-species livestock farm in Suleja, Niger State, which included cattle, sheep, and goats.

Anthrax is a deadly bacterial infection that affects both people and animals, including wild animals and livestock such as cows, pigs, camels, sheep, and goats.

Adetifa encouraged people not to consume ill or dead animals in an interview with Vanguard.

The NCDC director also cautioned workers at ponmo processing plants that they are at significant danger of anthrax.

He said: “What we are saying is do not eat sick animals at all. Sick animals contain anthrax, and animals that have died from anthrax contain anthrax. Anthrax is present in their skin, hair, and meat. The people who work with hides and skin are at risk of anthrax if it came from a dead animal.

“At this point in time that we have a confirmed case, we are saying look out for the meat that you buy.

“If you like bush meat, this could be a time to take a break from it, particularly if you don’t catch it yourself. For livestock, we ask that they be properly inspected, and people who own animals should not take sick animals for slaughter.”

The bacteria, which live as spores, may be detected in sick animals’ soil, wool, or hair. It infects people through consumption and direct contact with infected animals, as well as breathing in the spores, which is “the deadliest form of the disease.”

High fever, weakness, lack of appetite, bleeding from all bodily openings (nose, mouth, ears, anus, etc.), swelling and trouble breathing, and bloody diarrhoea are all symptoms in animals.