The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Agriculture, has begun free vaccination of domesticated animals to forestall the prevalence of Anthrax disease in the state.

On Friday, Olatokunbo Emokpae, permanent secretary of the Lagos Ministry of Agriculture, said the ministry had also enhanced the state’s surveillance of abattoirs and slaughter slabs.

Anthrax, an infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, affects domesticated animals such as cows, pigs, camels, sheep, goats, and wild animals.

Ms Emokpae said the vaccination of domesticated animals, free of charge, would also be conducted alongside the inspection exercise.

She said symptoms of the Anthrax disease in infected animals included sudden death and bleeding from natural orifices – mouth, ear, nose, anus and vulva, in female animals.

According to her, the blood discharge is usually dark, and the dead animal will disintegrate quickly.

”Members of the public MUST NOT go near or touch animals suspected to have contracted the disease.

”The state government solicits the cooperation of animal owners as Veterinary Personnel vaccinate animals,” she said.

(NAN)