The Plateau state government has refuted reports that over 1,000 cows died of a strange disease within a space of four days in some villages in the Mangu Local Government Area of the state.
The state government says the story is far from the truth.
In response to the narrative, which was published in some national newspapers and was trending on social media, the Plateau government stated that it does not reflect the reality of events in the areas mentioned prominently in the story.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Plateau state administration stated that no such incidence occurred in any area of Mangu Local administration Area, and the government has not received information concerning the mass death of animals from any of the communities listed in the reports.
A statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Executive Governor of Plateau State, Gyang Bere added that the story is based on hearsay, and there is no credible source that has authenticated the story, which has created tension in the affected communities.
The government advised the General public, particularly members of the said communities to disregard the misleading story and assured Plateau people that a team of epidemiologists has been sent to the affected communities on the instruction of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to ascertain the truth of the story to prevent loss of lives.
“However, there are two suspected cases of anthrax disease in two communities in the state. The samples have been taken to National Veterinary Research Institute for thorough assessment and further investigation. While waiting for the outcome, Government would like to make it clear that there was no mass death of 1,000 cows in the mentioned areas as reported in the story.
“It is instructive to note that the risk of contracting human cases of anthrax increases with exposure to infected animals, their meat, or hides.
“While the government has directed the Epidemiology unit of the Ministry of Health and the Veterinary unit of the Ministry of Agriculture to address the issues with every sense of urgency, members of the public are advised to observe the following to avoid contracting the anthrax disease:
1. Avoid contact with infected livestock and animal skins as much as possible.
2. Avoid eating meat that has not been properly cooked.
3. Quickly call the attention of the authorities when there is suspicion of a sick animal or persons.
The government advised people from the community to go about their normal activities and report any strange signs or any unusual activities for swift intervention by the relevant authorities.
