Prevent Anthrax disease, cattle dealers, butchers urged

From Fisayo Akinduro, Osogbo
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Cattle dealers and butchers in Osun state have been urged to ensure the total prevention of Charcoal Anthrax disease in the state.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Adedayo Adewole gave the warning in Osogbo, during  a one-day seminar organized for the Association of Cattle Butchers and Dealers in the state.

Adedayo, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Veterinary Services of the Ministry, Dr Abosede Olatokun, stressed that the outbreak of Charcoal Anthrax disease was reported to have emanated from the sheep and cattle in the Republic of Niger where cattle dealers do import their cattle for sale in the country.

He also hinted that the disease is a communicable one that can spread fast o they eat or smell the affected animal.

He also stressed that cattle dealers should be vigilant and immediately report any incident of dead animal that blood gushes out of its mouth, eyes and nose at the department of veterinary services, Ministry of Agriculture and also be wary of touching such animal as prevention is better than cure.

Also speaking, the representative of the department of the Federal Veterinary Services in the state, Dr A. Bisong stressed that the disease occurs directly or indirectly through contact with infected animals and once humans eat such animals, they would have stomach upset.

He stated some signs and symptoms of anthrax diseases to include blood gushing out from the eyes, mouth and nose after the death of the affected animal.

He advised cattle dealers not to buy cheap or sick cattle or sheep so that they would not be victims of the disease and to publicize the outbreak of the disease.

In his response, one of the members of theCattle Dealers Association, Mr Fatai Olayiwola urged the government to put the necessary machinery in place to cure this deadly disease through adequate vaccines, in order not to affect their source of income.