The Regional Public Health Emergency Management Committee in the Upper East Region has confirmed an outbreak of anthrax disease in two Districts.
The two affected Districts according to the Committee are Bansi Community in the Binduri District and Sapeliga Community in the Bawku West District respectively.
A press release signed by Chief Director Alhaji Abubakari Inusah, confirming the validity of the anthrax outbreak in the Region highlighted that samples were taken from two cattle from the affected communities and were sent to Pong-Tamale Veterinary Laboratory for a test which proved positive.
“Two(2) samples taken from two(2) cattle from the affected communities that were sent to Pong-Tamale Veterinary Laboratory have confirmed positive for anthrax. Therefore, an outbreak of anthrax has been confirmed in these two(2) Districts.”.
“As of Friday, 2nd June 2023, seven(7) cattle and twenty-three(23) sheep and goats were confirmed dead in the two(2) named above communities.”
“Among humans, as of 5th June, 2023 thirteen(13) suspected human anthrax cases including one(1) death have been reported from Bansi community in the Binduri District. Eleven(11) human samples have been sent to Pong-Tamale Veterinary Laboratory and we are awaiting Laboratory results”, excerpts of the press release expatiated.
It will be recalled that on Friday, June 2, 2023, the Upper East Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service announced that one person died from suspected anthrax in the region.
The unfortunate incident happened following the consumption of the beef of an infected cow by the deceased.
Meanwhile, the Regional Health Directorate has assured the Region not to panic as Veterinary Officers have been directed to commence anthrax vaccination of cattle, dogs, sheep, and goats in all the Districts for safe consumption.
Find the full press release below