Bryan Acheampong, Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture, has outlined efforts to stop anthrax from spreading.
This comes after Binduri in the Upper East Region’s confirmation of one case. Authorities worry, however, that if prompt action is not taken, there may be many cases of widespread diseases.
“To forestall the spread of the disease, the Ministry [of Food and Agriculture] is announcing the following measures for public safety: Restricting the movement of animals within, into and out of the Binduri district. Mass vaccination of animals in the affected areas.
“Ban on the consumption of animals found dead from the affected areas. The public is further advised to observe vigilance, purchase meat from only certified abattoirs and promptly report animal deaths to the nearest veterinary unit or health facility in the affected area.”
Bryan Acheampong
Authorities Prohibit The Transportation Of Livestock
Following an anthrax outbreak in some of that area, the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council imposed a one-month ban on the movement of small ruminants and cattle along the Eastern corridor of the region.
The Bawku Municipality, Bawku West, Pusiga, Garu, Tempane, and Binduri Districts are a few of the locations where the ban is in effect.
This is in response to the anthrax outbreak in the Eastern portion of the area, specifically in the Bansi Community in Binduri District and Sapeliga Community in Bawku West District. 23 sheep and goats, and 7 cattle were verified dead in the Bansi and Sapeliga settlements as of Friday, June 2, 2023.
13 probable human anthrax cases, including one death, have been recorded from the Bansi Community as of June 5, 2023. Awaiting lab findings are eleven (11) human samples that were delivered to the Pong-Tamale Veterinary Laboratory.
Additionally, it has been ordered that all ruminants in the Bansi and Sapeliga communities begin receiving bulk vaccinations right away by the Regional Directorate of the Veterinary Service.
Some decisions to stop the spread of the germs were made at an emergency meeting of the Regional Public Health Emergency Management Committee conducted on Monday, June 5, 2023 to review the probable anthrax outbreak in the Eastern section of the region.
The Upper East Regional Coordinating Council’s Chief Director, Alhaji Abubakari Inusah, announced the choices in a statement under his signature.
Any individual or group of individuals who disobey this order will be apprehended or arrested, according to police instructions.
“A ban on the movement of all ruminants (sheep, goats, cattle, and dogs) from the Eastern corridor of the region, including Bawku Municipality, Bawku West, Pusiga, Garu, Tempane, and Binduri Districts.
“Municipal and District Chief Executives are to ensure that slaughtering, sales, and consumption of cattle, sheep, goats, and dogs are banned for a period of one (1) month, effective 6th June 2023. The Police have been instructed to apprehend or arrest any person or group of persons who flout(s) this directive.”
Alhaji Abubakari Inusah
The notification further stated that veterinary professionals have been instructed to begin immunizing cattle, dogs, sheep, and goats against anthrax immediately. Additionally, it was declared that all pet owners must allow their animals to be vaccinated at their own residences. There is no cost of the anthrax vaccine, it is totally free.
“The Regional Public Health Emergency Management Committee chaired by the Hon. Regional Minister requests the support and cooperation of all stakeholders at this moment before the outbreak becomes a Regional/National catastrophe.”
Alhaji Abubakari Inusah
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