Stay away from eating “Ponmo”, FG warns

Following the outbreak of Anthrax in some neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Monday warned Nigerians to stay away from eating cow skins known locally as “ponmo”.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of ministry, Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, also advised Nigerians to desist from the smoked meat and bush meat as they pose serious risk until the situation is brought under control.

“The disease which has claimed some lives, is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and man, that is a zoonotic disease. Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.

“People can get infected with Anthrax spores if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. However, Anthrax is not a contagious disease and so, one cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person.

“Signs of anthrax are flu- like symptoms such as cough, fever, muscle aches and if not diagnosed and treated early, lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death,” the statement read in part,” the statement said.