Livestock traders in the Upper East Region have been advised to vaccinate their animals after a recent anthrax outbreak.
In June 2023, an anthrax outbreak led the government to impose a ban on the movement, sale and consumption of meat products in the region as many farmers suffered significant livestock losses.
At a meeting with the Upper East Regional Shipper Committee (UERSC) of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), a veterinary officer, Dr. Ransford Okornoh, noted that vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against anthrax.
He stated that vaccination is more cost-effective than treating affected animals and humans. He urged farmers to vaccinate livestock annually before anthrax season from March to June.
He noted vaccines and veterinary services are accessible for farmers to safeguard their investments.
“Between June and July 2022, 22,953 livestock were traded, whereas for the same period in 2023, the number plummeted to 11,475, the lowest figures in three years,” he explained.
Dr Okornoh advised farmers to take preventive action through vaccination to avoid massive losses from potential anthrax outbreaks.
He urged those in the livestock business to implement mitigation strategies and take animal health seriously.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
