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Following the reported outbreak of anthrax disease in some States of the Federation, the Government of Imo State has called on its residents not to panic, stressing measures are being taken to prevent the outbreak of the disease in the State.
The Commissioner, of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Anthony Mgbeahurike, who disclosed that the outbreak was first reported in Niger before it escalated to Kogi, Lagos and Plateau States, warned the general public to take their personal hygiene seriously.
He advised the people of the State not to be afraid of the imminent danger of the infectious disease, saying that the administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma has approved the setting up of a task force committee that will wage war against it.
Mgbeahuruike, who harped on the importance of taking preventive measures against contracting the disease, further explained that the outbreak of the disease from one State to another was a result of the free movement of animals from place to place.
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‘The imminent health challenge that is ravaging the country was first reported in Ghana, but within some time it got to other West African countries and the sub-regions. Information dissemination is necessary now so that the entire population of the animals will be protected, as well as the people of the State,’ he said.
The Commissioner, who disclosed this to the media after presiding over a meeting at the conference hall of the Ministry weekend, used the opportunity to advise the general public to always take proactive measures in order not to be infected by the disease that affects domestic and wild animals.
The Commissioner also commended Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for touching the lives of the people positively, pointing out that the Health, Agriculture, Commerce & Industry and other sectors of the State economy have been given a facelift by him.
‘For example, In the Agric sector, people are getting incentives from the Government, and youths are employed. What I am seeing in Imo State today is unprecedented,’ he said.
The Secretary, of the Butchers Association of Nigeria, Imo State chapter, Mr. Clevis Iwuchukwu, in an interview, told The Statesman that he learnt a lot about the infectious disease. ‘I learnt a lot. We now know about this deadly disease as it concerns our businesses. The Commissioner has opened our eyes, and I am grateful to him for this,’ he stated.
It would be recalled that the Livestock Commissioner had met with members of various associations that deal with livestock such as butchers, poultry farmers, pork meat vendors and others wherein he alerted them of the anthrax outbreak in other States and the need to be careful.
