The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has confirmed a deadly livestock disease known as Anthrax cases in the Upper East Region of Ghana after sample analysis were conducted at the laboratory of the Veterinary Service Directorate.
Anthrax is a bacterial disease in livestock and it is transferable from animals to humans. The current case is limited to Binduri district in the Upper East Region, and it is highly possible to spread to other areas.
As part of measures to prevent the spread of the disease, the MoFA announced some strategies for public safety. There’s restriction on the movement of animals within, into and out of Binduri district; mass vaccination of animals in the affected district; band on the consumption of animals found dead from the affected areas.
The public is cautioned to be vigilant and purchase meat from only certified abattoirs and promptly report animal deaths to the nearest Veterinary unit or health facility around the affected areas.
The Ministry has announced the following contacts of Veterinary Service Directorate officials:
• Dr. Patrick Abeka, Director, Veterinary Service Directorate 0208240734
• Mr. Rachman Adongo, District Veterinary Officer, 0245124150
• Dr. Nii Aryee, Regional Veterinary Officer, 0244542397 and
• Dr. Benjamin K. Sassu, Deputy Head, National Food Safety Laboratory, 0553339667.
The Ministry is assuring the general public that it is putting every measure in place to contain the disease.
