Veterinary services control spread of anthrax in UE/R

Officials of the Veterinary Services have vaccinated livestock in Wiagah, a community near Sandema in the Upper East Region, to control a possible outbreak of anthrax.

The action follows the death of about 69 sheep from anthrax infection on Monday July 22. The animals have since been buried.

Director of Veterinary in the Region, Dr. Moses Dbordsi, said although the infection is not widespread, they have ensured that no one consumed meat from the infected animals.

In April this year, there was a similar outbreak of the disease in the Bawku West District of the region.

Although it was contained, there were reports of the sale of anthrax infected animals to people outside the district.

Anthrax is a life-threatening infectious disease that normally affects animals, especially ruminants such as goats, cattle, sheep, and horses.

Human beings can contract the disease by contact with infected animals or their products, but it does not spread from person to person.