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Health and veterinary officials in the Savannah Region have issued an urgent alert following a suspected outbreak of anthrax in Dissah, a community in the North Gonja District. The incident, reported on September 5, 2025, has already resulted in the deaths of hundreds of cattle.
A letter from the Savannah Regional Veterinary Officer, Dr. Yolanda I. Ayamdooh, to the Chief Veterinary Officer in Accra, confirmed that the outbreak was traced to an overdose of anthrax vaccine allegedly administered by a Burkinabe Fulani vaccination team.
https://voiceafricaonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/report-on-suspected-vase-of-Anthrax-North-gonja-district.pdf
According to preliminary investigations, about 400 cattle belonging to four kraals died between September 5 and 7. The vaccine, believed to have been procured from Nigeria, was reportedly mixed with 200 doses of CBPP vaccine, which may have contributed to the mass deaths.
A rapid response team from the Veterinary Services Directorate has since been dispatched to Dissah. The officers have collected samples for laboratory testing at the Pong-Tamale Veterinary Laboratory, with results expected within 72 hours.
In the meantime, strict measures have been introduced to contain the situation. The district has banned the movement of livestock, the slaughter of cattle, and the sale or transportation of smoked meat from the affected area. On September 8, a total of 25 dead or slaughtered cattle were buried under strict supervision to prevent further contamination.
The Regional Health Directorate has also begun daily virtual meetings to track and evaluate developments. Officials are warning the public against buying meat from unverified sources, stressing that consuming infected meat poses grave health risks.
To further protect surrounding communities, authorities are planning a mass vaccination campaign for all ruminants within a five-kilometre radius of Dissah. The exercise is expected to cost approximately GH₵32,880.
