The PUNCH reported that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, on Monday, gave the caution in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Ernest Umakhihe.
According to the ministry, Northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo are battling Anthrax, described as a zoonotic bacterial disease that affects both animals and man.
“The general public is strongly advised to desist from the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat and bush meat as they pose serious risks until the situation is brought under control,” the ministry had said.
Responding to an enquiry by The PUNCH on the development on Wednesday, the UI don described the Federal Government’s warning as timely and appropriate.
Adetunji said, “The warning is appropriate and timely because currently the Anthrax disease is ravaging Northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo which are neighbouring countries.
“Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by a spore-forming, gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. It occurs naturally in soil and mainly affects animals (domestic and wild animals) around the world.”
She stated that people can get sick with Anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
She added, “Places with an earlier history of Anthrax in wildlife or livestock need to be mindful of the potential for anthrax re-emergence, especially at the onset or end of wet seasons, thereby promoting possible outbreaks in animals and in humans.”
Asked if there was a link between Anthrax and cow hides, smoked meat and bush meat, the Professor of Veterinary Public Health said, “Yes, there is a very strong link because Anthrax is transmitted to humans through handling or eating meat from infected animal carcasses, contact with their products, such as hair, wool, hides, bones), or by breathing in spores.”
She further explained that the disease can be contracted through “breathing in spores, eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with spores, or getting spores in a cut or scrape in the skin.”
