The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has raised an alarm of ponmo now being dangerous for Nigerians to consume following the outbreak of Anthrax in some neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region.
Nigerians have been asked to desist from the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat and bush meat as they pose serious risk until the situation is brought under control.
The anthrax outbreak was first recorded in northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo putting the whole sub-region at risk.
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.