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| This handout picture depicts the dorsal surfaces of a monkeypox case in a patient who was displaying the appearance of the characteristic rash during its recuperative stage. Photo: AFP |
Following the outbreak of Monkeypox in the country, the Federal Government has warned Nigerians against the consumption of bushmeat including rodents and others.
On May 29, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed the disease, saying the virus killed one person while 21 others were hit by the disease.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, said the warning was to ensure that the situation is contained and brought under control.
According to him, the Ministry is giving advice on measures to prevent and contain the spread of the virus as citizens also have their part to play by adhering to hygiene practices.
โThe Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (FMARD) through the Department of Veterinary & Pest Control Services is actively collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other stakeholders in the One Health Team to ensure the situation is contained and brought under control,โ the statement partly read.
โIn view of the above, the FMARD is hereby giving the following advice: People must avoid contact with persons suspected to be infected with Monkey Pox at home and at workplaces.
โHunters and dealers of โBushmeatโ must desist from the practice forthwith to prevent any possibility of โSPILLOVERโ of the pathogen in Nigeria.
โTransport of wild animals and their products within and across the borders should be suspended/restricted
โSilos, stores, and other agricultural storage facilities must institute active rodent control measures to prevent contacts and possible contamination of Monkey Pox Virus with foodstuff.โ
He also added that โall operators of Zoos, Parks, Conservation and Recreational centers keeping non-human primates in their domains must ensure strict compliance with their biosecurity protocols aimed at preventing their contacts with humansโ.
