A wave of cattle deaths in Disah, North Gonja District, has prompted urgent investigations by veterinary authorities after reports suggested that an allegedly improper vaccination exercise may have led to the fatalities.
Dr. Benjamin Kissi Sasu, Risk Communications Officer for Veterinary Services, told Channel One Newsroom on Tuesday, September 9, that veterinary teams were dispatched immediately to collect samples following reports of mass livestock deaths.
“Unfortunately, from the farmers, they didn’t go for vaccines that we produce in Ghana. So quickly that we saw this mass deaths, veterinary services dispatched a team on the grounds and which they went to pick samples. Samples have been sent to the Central veterinary lab which has all the capacity to test. Currently laboratory test are ongoing which we’re hoping tomorrow final results will be out,” he said.
Dr. Sasu urged residents in affected areas to report sudden livestock deaths promptly.
“Currently those who find themselves in those areas should they find sudden deaths of their animals they should quickly report to the nearest veterinary centre or facility in their municipality or locality so other samples could be followed up,” he added.
He further warned against the purchase or consumption of animals that may have died from the suspected vaccinations.
“We want to advise that those over there too should be careful of purchasing and also consumption of dead animals,” Dr. Sasu said.
The incident reportedly followed a farmer’s engagement of a Burkinabe Fulani to vaccinate his cattle. North Gonja District Environmental Health Officer, Adam Mary, explained that inquiries revealed deaths occurred shortly after the vaccination exercise.
“According to the sources and investigations that were carried out, some farmers went to Côte d’Ivoire and brought somebody to come and immunise their animals. After the immunisation, the farmers realised that their animals were dying. According to them, the immunisation was done on Friday, on Saturday, and on Sunday, the death took place,” Ms. Mary said.
Authorities quickly issued public warnings to prevent contaminated meat from entering the food chain and extended the alert to neighbouring districts and towns.
“Public announcement was made immediately to educate people that this is what has happened, and we believe that some of the animals will leak into Daboya and be sold to the food vendors and so we told them that the vaccine that killed the animals can equally kill a human being and so when they get such animals they should not patronize with it, they should inform us,” Ms. Mary explained.
She added that the Tamale slaughterhouse and other relevant authorities have been informed to ensure close monitoring. “An announcement has been given to the Tamale slaughterhouse and those who matter in this case that they should take close supervision for us,” she said.
Monitoring by veterinary authorities is ongoing to prevent contaminated meat from reaching consumers, while laboratory tests continue to determine the exact cause of the cattle deaths.
