A veterinarian in Bauchi, Dr Abdulkadir Baba, has warned that the ongoing harmattan season in the state may increase the risk of zoonotic diseases.
Baba gave the warning on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi, attributing the risk to dry and dusty weather conditions that favoured the spread of infections from animals to humans.
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He explained that rodents such as rats often migrated into homes during harmattan in search of food, increasing the risk of Lassa fever, leptospirosis and Q fever through contact with rodent urine, droppings or contaminated dust.
Baba added that the season coincided with the dog reproductive cycle, leading to aggressive behaviour and a higher risk of rabies transmission.
He also cautioned against anthrax, noting that its spores could be carried by strong harmattan winds and inhaled by humans.
The veterinarian advised the public to maintain good hygiene, keep homes free of rodents, ensure proper cooking of meat and dairy products, and avoid contact with stray animals during the season. (NAN)
