In a bid to curb the spread of monkeypox disease, the Federal Government on Tuesday announced a ban on sale and consumption of bush meat.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammad Abubakar directed hunters and dealers of bush meat in the country to stop the business with immediate effect.
Abubakar also urged Nigerians to avoid contact with persons suspected to be infected with monkeypox.
According to him, Veterinary epidemiology officers, field surveillance agents and veterinarians have also been asked to step up surveillance to pick any possible case of Monkeypox in animals.
“Following the recent confirmation of Monkeypox (MP) resurgence in Nigeria on May 29, 2022, involving 21 persons, by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), where it was said to have led to the death of one person with co-morbidity, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (FMARD), through the Department of Veterinary & Pest Control Services, is collaborating with NCDC and stakeholders in the One Health Team to ensure the situation is contained and brought under control.
“People must avoid contact with persons suspected to be infected with Monkeypox at home and at workplaces.
“Hunters and dealers of ‘bushmeat’ must desist from the practice to prevent any possibility of ‘spillover’ of the pathogen in Nigeria.
“Transport of wild animals and their products within and across borders should be suspended/restricted.
