FG warns Nigerians against ‘ponmo’ over deadly virus

The Federal Government has warned Nigerians against the consumption of hides, fondly called ponmo, following the outbreak of Anthrax disease in some neighbouring countries.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, gave the warning via a statement issued on Monday, June 12.

He noted that the affected countries are Northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.

Umakhihe said the disease which had claimed some lives is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and man.

He said Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals, adding that people could get infected if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

He stated that the disease is not contagious as people cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person.

“Signs of anthrax are, flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever, and muscle aches,” the permanent secretary noted.

Umakhihe added that if not diagnosed and treated early, it will lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock, and death.

The permanent secretary said anthrax being a bacterial disease, responds to treatment with antibiotics and supportive therapy.

“It is primarily a disease of animals but because of man’s closeness to animals, non-vaccinated animals with anthrax can easily be transmitted to man through the inhalation of anthrax spores.

“It could also be through consumption of contaminated or infected animal products, such as hides and skin, meat or milk,” he said.

He said annual vaccinations with anthrax spores are available at the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State.

Umakhihe said it is the cheapest and easiest means of prevention and control of the disease in animals, adding that infected animals cannot be vaccinated, but animals at risk can be vaccinated.

He advised that infected dead animals should be buried deep into the soil, with equipment used in the burial after applying chemicals that would kill the anthrax spores.

“The public is strongly advised to desist from the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat, and bush meat as they pose serious risk until the situation is brought under control,” he said.

Umakhihe urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, saying the Federal Government has resuscitated a Standing Committee on the control of Anthrax.

The Star

Segun Ojo