One person has been confirmed dead and at least 30 animals are said to have died following an outbreak of anthrax in two communities in the Upper East Region.
A statement released by the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council (UERCC), dated 6 June 2023, cites Bansi in the Binduri District and Sapeliga in the Bawku West District as the outbreak areas so far in the region.
The statement also reveals that eleven human samples have been sent to the Pong-Tamale Veterinary Laboratory in the Northern Region for examination.
The Regional Public Health Emergency Management Committee has taken the following decisions to curb the spread of the disease:
- A ban on movement of all small ruminants (goats, sheep, pigs) and other animals including cattle and dogs in the local government areas within the Eastern Corridor. The areas are Bawku Municipality, Bawku West, Binduri, Garu, Pusiga and Tempane.
- The Municipal and District Chief Executives in the areas are to prohibit sales, slaughtering and consumption of goats, sheep, cattle and dogs for a one-month period starting from June 6.
- While police have been directed to arrest anyone or group that flouts the directives, veterinary officers have been directed to immediately undertake free vaccination of goats, dogs, sheep and cattle.
- Those who own dogs, goats, sheep and cattle are to make their animals available for vaccination in their homes.
Below is a copy of the statement from the government, signed by the UERCC’s Chief Director, Alhaji Abubakari Inusah:
Source: Edward Adeti/Media Without Borders/mwbonline.org
