Bauchi: 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 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.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr Baba 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. He highlighted that the harmattan season’s environmental conditions could facilitate these diseases’ transmission from animals to humans.
Baba added that the season coincided with the dog reproductive cycle, leading to aggressive behaviour and a higher risk of rabies transmission. This behaviour could pose additional health risks to humans, especially in areas where stray dogs are prevalent.
Furthermore, he also cautioned against anthrax, noting that its spores could be carried by strong harmattan winds and inhaled by humans. This warning underscores the need for preventive measures to protect public health during this period.