The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged citizens to desist from hunting and dealing with bushmeat following the recent confirmation of Monkeypox in the country.
In a press statement signed by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, said the order was necessary to prevent any possible spread of the pathogen in the country through the selling and buying of bushmeat.
The minister also advised citizens to avoid contact with persons suspected to be infected with the disease at home and at workplaces, as well as report any suspected case of the disease to the nearest clinic.
According to him, “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 and 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.
“Transport of wild animals and their products within and across the borders should be suspended/restricted and 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.
“We must also ensure regular handwashing using strong disinfectant anytime we handle NHP and rodents in our various locations and 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.”
