By Elizabeth Ama Ofosu
Akim Manso (E/R), Sept. 09, GNA – The Asene Manso Akroso District Department of Agriculture has intensified veterinary services to improve animal health, prevent disease outbreaks and enhance livestock production in the area.
The move forms part of efforts by the Department to strengthen disease surveillance, improve anima welfare and protect public health through effective veterinary interventions.
Mr Vitus Yinzee Kolog, an officer of the Veterinary Unit, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that routine visits to commercial and household livestock farms had been stepped up to ensure the early detection, treatment and prevention of animal diseases.
He said the Unit had adopted flexible working arrangements to enable officers to respond promptly to animal health cases before and after normal working hours.
Mr Kolog said the Department was also promoting the “One Health” concept, which encourages collaboration among animal, human and environmental health professionals in the prevention and control of diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans.
He, however, identified inadequate supplies of veterinary drugs and vaccines as a major challenge affecting the Unit’s operations.
According to him, the shortage had affected efforts to control diseases such as anthrax, rabies and bovine tuberculosis, while discouraging some livestock owners from presenting their animals for routine screening.
Mr Stephen Boadi, Director of the Asene Manso Akroso District Department of Agriculture, appealed to the Government and development partners to support the Veterinary Unit with logistics and other resources to improve service delivery.
He said adequate support would strengthen disease surveillance, expand outreach services, and improve livestock productivity in the district.
Mr Boadi expressed concern over low compliance with animal screening and meat inspection procedures, attributing the situation to public ignorance, the cost of screening, and misconceptions about animal-borne diseases.
He said the department planned to collaborate with the District Assembly and other stakeholders to intensify public education on animal health and food safety.
The Director urged the public to patronise meat from approved sources and adhere to food safety measures to protect public health and support agricultural development.
GNA
Editing by D.I. Laary/Kenneth Odeng Adade