Following an outbreak of anthrax in the Upper East Region, over 150,000 livestock have been successfully vaccinated as a preventive measure.

To contain the spread of the disease, a temporary ban on the movement of ruminants, including goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, and dogs, was implemented in the affected region's eastern corridor.

The Risk Communications Manager at the Ghana Veterinary Service, Dr. Benjamin Kissi Sasu, confirmed that the situation has been effectively brought under control.

The vaccination campaign has played a crucial role in mitigating the outbreak and safeguarding the livestock population in the region.

“A total of 1,243,000 animals have been vaccinated in the Upper East Region. So far, so good. Looking at the data and the participation of the community, the various districts have now cooperated, and we have had a good number of animal vaccinations ongoing. Currently, we are not seeing any signs [of anthrax], and we hope it will keep up. So yes, we have been able to contain it in that way,” Dr. Benjamin Kissi Sasu assured.

The Regional Health Directorate issued a press release on June 1, 2023, confirming the notification of two suspected cases of anthrax, one of which resulted in a fatality, in the Binduri District. The cases were reported after individuals consumed the meat of dead cattle.

The incident involved the death of four cattle within the affected community. Furthermore, eleven additional suspected cases were identified, prompting the initiation of contact tracing measures in the community. The Regional Health Directorate is actively responding to the situation to contain any potential spread of the disease and provide necessary support to those affected.