Nigerians have been advised to stop consuming hides known locally as ‘ponmo’.
They have also been warned against eating smoked meat and bush meat due to the outbreak of Anthrax in some neighbouring countries.
Many Nigerian delicacies are prepared with these items.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development gave the caution on Monday in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe.
Dr. Umakhihe said it was necessary to alert Nigerians on the outbreak of the disease as it is currently ravaging Northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.
According to him, Anthrax is transferred from infected animals to humans, as its spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.
Although people can get infected with Anthrax spores if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, it is not a contagious disease.
Its signs include 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.
