THE BAWKU West District Epidemic Prevention Committee has placed a temporary ban on the movement of four legged animals and their meat within and out of the district. This follows the outbreak of anthrax in the Guzongo community of the district.
The decision on the ban was arrived at on Monday when members of the District Epidemic Prevention Committee visited the Guzongo community to ascertain the level of anthrax outbreak in the area which has so far killed about 30 cattle and a donkey.
In an interview, Madam Mary Stella Adapesa, a member of the committee and Bawku West District Director of Health, said the committee’s decision will be place for two weeks. During the period, members with the support of the veterinary officers and their superiors will monitor the situation.
The ban also affects the slaughtering of animals and residents have been advised not to eat meat from ill animals or carcasses. Madam Adapesa also urged the people to report to the nearest health center if they have diarrhea or difficulty in breathing and wash their hands thoroughly.
Last year, a similar ban was enforced in the Sapeliga and Googo communities following an outbreak of the disease.
On Monday, the veterinary officers in the district started the treatment of in-contact animals with antibiotic. The three-day exercise is expected to end today and then pave way for vaccination of the animals.
By: William Jalulah | A1Radioonline.com | Ghana
