An outbreak of anthrax recently reported in a farm in Zamfara State serves as another stark reminder of the ongoing public health challenges in Nigeria. Confirming the outbreak, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development called for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with the disease. Before this, in July 2023, Nigeria reported its first case of the disease in recent years. The case was confirmed on a mixed livestock farm in Niger State. 

While specific details of the latest outbreak are still emerging, just one reported incident of anthrax is classified as an epidemic demanding immediate attention and a coordinated response. No doubt, the re-emergence of anthrax poses a public health threat and emphasises the need for collaborative approach to disease prevention and control.

Anthrax is an acute, bacterial, and naturally occurring disease of herbivores that infects humans through contact. It is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which lives in the soil and usually infects wild and domestic animals, such as goats, cattle, and sheep.

Humans become sick with the disease by handling animal products such as wool, hide, or bone from animals infected with the anthrax bacterium. While anthrax outbreaks are fairly common among agricultural workers, people who work with animals, such as farmers, veterinarians, and butchers, are at higher risk.

The zoonotic (animal-to-human) nature of anthrax underscores the interconnectedness of human and animal health, emphasizing the crucial importance of a one-health approach to disease prevention and control. If anthrax is not identified and treated promptly, it can cause pneumonia, serious lung issues, breathing difficulties, shock, and death. Symptoms of the infection include flu-like symptoms like coughing, fever, and muscular aches.

Generally believed to be underreported and neglected, anthrax is listed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WAHO) as a disease with high mortality in wildlife and livestock, a cause of secondary human cases, and a security risk. Anthrax is also a trans-boundary animal disease.

Over the last decade or so, anthrax has been among the top five most prioritised zoonotic diseases in Nigeria. A risk ranking and prioritisation of epidemic-prone diseases conducted in 2022 by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention ranked anthrax as a high-risk disease with an integer of 6.25 out of 16 and a poor general preparedness level (1.5 out of 5) for an outbreak of the disease in Africa. 

While there is usually no animal-animal or human-human transmission of anthrax, human infection remains potentially hazardous. This is why a decisive response is required and relevant authorities including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, (FMARD). The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), and the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) should step up surveillance and testing immediately. 

Continuous surveillance and monitoring of animal populations and human cases are vital to track the spread of the disease and ensure timely intervention. As a zoonotic and vaccine-preventable disease, adequate vaccination of susceptible animal populations will reduce the risk of transmission to humans. Public education on clinical presentations of anthrax in livestock would also increase the identification of its symptoms and prevent people from touching, processing, or purchasing animals showing any symptoms.

A positive behavioural change is needed to ensure the disease does not spread and become endemic in Nigeria. The national Anthrax Technical Working Group formed years ago should rekindle the emergency operations centre to serve as a national coordination mechanism. The latest outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and a robust public health infrastructure. Nigeria can strengthen its capacity to effectively respond to future disease outbreaks and protect the health and well-being of its citizens.