The Oyo State government has begun sensitisation of butchers and livestock dealers on the deadly anthrax disease.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, disclosed this to journalists on Wednesday in Ibadan.

Mr Olaleye said the state government would strengthen abattoir surveillance to detect and prevent animal diseases.

He said the sensitisation team had visited Amosun central abattoir, Lam Adesina International cattle market, and goat market, all in the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo.

Mr Olaleye said the sensitisation was part of the state government’s efforts to forestall the outbreak of anthrax disease.

According to him, anthrax is a severe infectious disease caused by bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis, which occurs naturally in the soil and affects domestic and wild animals.

“People can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

“So, the awareness is to inform stakeholders, especially butchers, cattle dealers/sellers, and consumers, on the need to guard against anthrax disease and control measures to tackle the menace of anthrax,” he said.

The commissioner said there was currently no suspected or confirmed case of anthrax in the state.

Mr Olaleye, however, stressed that preventive measures must be adhered to.

“This is the reason the government has put necessary machinery in place to curtail the outbreak of anthrax; all veterinary doctors and relevant officials across the 33 local governments in the state have been put on red alert,’’ he said.

The commissioner urged all butcher associations and cattle dealers/sellers to support the government’s effort to prevent anthrax.

He admonished them to ensure that cattle and other animals slaughtered are certified by veterinary doctors while imploring the general public to be cautioned about the animals they consume. 

(NAN)