Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture in Charge of Crops, Yaw Frimpong Addo, has entreated Ghanaian meat lovers to stop or reduce meat intake following the anthrax disease outbreak in Ghana.
According to the minister, even though the government has put measures in place to contain the spread of the virus, individuals who love meat can also suspend or limit meat consumption to avoid human infection of the animal disease.
Ghana started recording the anthrax virus disease two weeks ago. It is commonly found in cattle, sheep, and goats.
It started in the northern part of the country and the government in an attempt to stop the spread, banned the transportation of such animals from affected areas to any other part of the country.
Environmental Health Officers at the Awuku Senya East Assembly seized some roasted meat which has been transported from the northern part to the central region on June 12 creating fear and panic among the public, particularly consumers of meat.
However, the Deputy Minister in an interview said there’s no cause for alarm as the disease is not widespread and the government has put all the necessary measures in place to stem the disease.
“It is a worrying situation but it can be contained easily and that’s what our men are on the grounds doing.”
The Manso Edubia legislature also admits that there is a need for massive education on the anthrax disease to create public awareness.
“There is the need to increase education but we must reduce our love for meat,” the minister advised.
“So far, over 90 animals have died as a result of the outbreak and over 20,000 animals have been affected. Talensi and bunduri have the most affected animals.”
“Telensi has 1,915 cattle, 3,015 sheep, 1836 goats, and 375 pigs which sum up to 7,141.
The total number of cases in Binduri is 9,485, and Bolgatanga Municipal has 2,468 cases. Bawku- west 1957, Bawku municipal has 212, Kasena North East has 1, Bongo district has 8 cases, followed by Garu district with 17 cases” bringing the total number of affected animals to 21,000 the minister said.
