Following the emergence of anthrax in a few nearby nations in the West African sub-region, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued a warning that ponmo is now unsafe for Nigerians to eat.
Nigerians have been urged to refrain from eating bush meat, smoked meat, and hides (ponmo) since they pose major risks until the situation is under control.
The entire sub-region was put at risk when the anthrax outbreak was initially discovered in northern Ghana, which borders Burkina Faso and Togo.
The statement read;
“The disease which has claimed some lives, is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and man, that is a zoonotic disease. Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.
“People can get infected with Anthrax spores if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. However, Anthrax is not a contagious disease and so, one cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person.“Signs of anthrax are flu- like symptoms such as cough, fever, muscle aches and if not diagnosed and treated early, lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death.”
Nigerians have also been warned against closeness to non-vaccinated animals with Anthrax as it can easily be transmitted to man through the inhalation of Anthrax spores including consumption of contaminated/Infected animal products, such as hides and skin, meat or milk.