Anthrax is an acute zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that can persist in soil for years and becomes pathogenic when activated within a host. Infection primarily affects domestic and wild animals through ingestion of contaminated feed or soil, while humans can acquire the disease via cutaneous contact, inhalation, ingestion of animal products, or injection of contaminated materials. Anthrax outbreaks are frequently reported in rural areas with high agricultural dependence, particularly in arid and temperate regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and North America. In Nigeria, the first recorded anthrax case occurred on a local farm in the northern region, highlighting its emerging public health significance. This review examines the recent anthrax outbreak in Nigeria, exploring its epidemiology, transmission pathways, and impact on human and animal health. Findings emphasize the need for improved surveillance, public awareness, and control measures to mitigate future outbreaks and protect both livestock and human populations.
Adebayo et al. (Thu,) studied this question.