Monkey Pox: Ministry Of Agriculture Warns Nigerians, Desist From Bush Meat Consumption

According to a report by Vanguard, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Tuesday, warned Nigerians to desist from consuming bush meat including rodents and others, following official confirmation of Monkey pox in Nigeria by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC, on May 29,2022.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, gave the warning in a statement signed by himself and made available to Vanguard.

Abubakar referring to the resurgence of Monkey pox virus in Nigeria, which already on the 29th of May, 2022, 21 persons have been confirmed to have gotten the virus by NCDC, which the virus has killed one person, said the Ministry wants  to ensure the situation is contained and brought under control.

He said the Ministry is giving the advice on measures to prevent and contain spread of the virus as citizens also have their part to play by adhering to hygiene practices.

He said: “The 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.

“In 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 work places.

“Hunters and dealers of “Bushmeat” must desist from the practice forthwith to prevent any possibility of “SPILLOVER” of the pathogen in Nigeria.

“Transport of wild animals and their products within and across the borders should be suspended/restricted

“Silos, stores and other agricultural storage facilities must institute active rodent control measures to prevent contacts and possible contamination of Monkey Pox Virus with foodstuff.”

He also added that, “All 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 humans.

“All Veterinary Clinics, Veterinary Teaching Hospitals and other Veterinary Health Institutions across the country must ensure vigilance so as to be able to pick possible signs and symptoms of Monkey Pox in non-human primate (NHP) patients.

“We must also ensure regular handwashing using strong disinfectant anytime we handle NHP and rodents in our various locations.

“We must also discourage the act of consumption, trade and keeping of NHP as well as rodents as pets in our homes.”

However, urged Nigerians on reporting suspected cases, “The general public are hereby advised to report any pox-like lesions seen on humans or animals to the nearest human or veterinary clinics respectively.

He also charged veterinarians to step up surveillance activities.

“Lastly, Veterinary epidemiology officers, field surveillance agents and veterinarians should step up their surveillance activities aimed at picking any possible case of Monkey Pox in animals.”