Anthrax Outbreak: Stop eating ‘ponmo,’ others — Ekiti State government cautions residents

The Ekiti State government on Wednesday, July 19, advised residents against the consumption of hides (ponmo), smok£d meat and bushmeat, to avoid the possible spread of Anthrax diseases.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, and Special Adviser, Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, the government explained that anthrax is primarily a disease of animals, that can be easily transmitted to humans through inhalation of anthrax spores or consumption of contaminated or infect£d animal products such as hides and skins, meat and milk.

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The ministry, however, called on residents to adhere to preventive measures such as; vaccination, proper disposal of suspected and infected animals, avoiding risky consumptions, hygiene practices, effective disinfection, veterinary assistance, decontamination etc.