The Ekiti government has warned against the risky consumption of ‘ponmo’, smoked meat and bushmeat.

This is contained in a statement signed by the governor’s special adviser on agriculture and food security, Ebenezer Boluwade and health commissioner, Oyebanji Filani, on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti in an alert to residents and farmers to the outbreak of Anthrax.

For prevention, the government urged intensified vaccination, proper disposal of suspected and infected animals and avoiding risky consumptions such as hides (ponmo), smoked meat and bushmeat.

It also advised hygiene practices, especially where ponmo, bone, and blood meals are produced.

“We specifically encourage persons at risk such as people who handle animals, people who consume dead animals, healthcare workers, law enforcement officers and anyone who recently travelled to a location with a confirmed anthrax case to take their hygiene practices seriously,” the government said.

The government further urged the public, farmers, butchers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector to adhere strictly to the preventive measures.

The government also urged the public to avoid panic about the disease, adding that the Ekiti ministry of agriculture and food security, in collaboration with the health ministry, was monitoring the situation.

The government said it would provide updates and further guidance concerning the disease and urged residents to assist health agencies by transmitting the message. 

(NAN)