The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says the ideal method of disposing an anthrax carcass is incineration.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, said in Abuja on Tuesday that where this method was not possible, deep burial was the alternative.
Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, on Monday, officially confirmed the first case of anthrax in the country.
A statement signed by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr Columba Vakuru, said animals were showing signs of a possible case of anthrax on a farm in Suleja, Niger State.
He said that it was reported to the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria on July 14, 2023.
According to Adetifa, livestock farmers in the disposal of anthrax infected carcass, they should ensure that the pit is 6–8 feet, two mitre deep – the bottom of which should be well above the water table (minimum 3 feet (0.9 m ).
“Considering the water table level and soil composition clay soil is preferable, whereas, sand or gravel should be avoided,” he advised.
Adetifa said that anthrax was a contagious and highly fatal zoonotic bacterial disease affecting primarily herbivores.
