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Abstract

Anthrax is a highly pathogenic zoonotic disease that is attributed to the aerobic, rod-like Gram-positive bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. This disease primarily affects domestic and wild herbivores through the consumption of vegetation, water or soil and inhalation of air or dust contaminated with highly resistant B. anthracis spores. Humans become infected through inhalation, ingestion of animal and animal products, injection of hard drugs and cutaneous routes through contact with infected animals or carcasses. The outbreak of anthrax frequently occurs in regions with high levels of agricultural practices, including Africa and Asia. Although endemic in West Africa, Nigeria recorded her first anthrax case in July 2023, which led to the mortality of eight farm animals. Several factors may have contributed to this outbreak including changes in soil pH, moisture levels, porosity and texture and the recent outbreak in Ghana, a neighboring country. Strategies to control human anthrax infections are mostly tied to those that limit the occurrence of anthrax in animals and reduce human exposure to diseased/deceased animals or their byproducts. The most effective ways to prevent and treat animal anthrax are annual vaccination (preventive and ring), quarantine and use of antibiotics. Furthermore, it is important that public health and animal health institutions collaborate promptly on the detection of anthrax within a given area. This collaboration aims to enhance awareness among medical professionals, animal health practitioners, and those residing in the affected region.