The Upper East Regional Coordinating Council has placed a one-month ban on the movement of ruminants along the Eastern corridors of the region following the outbreak of anthrax disease in parts of the area.

According to the Chief Director, Abubakari Inusah, the ban is aimed at preventing the spread of the disease with an immediate effect on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

The areas which were affected by the ban include Bawku Municipality, Bawku West, Pusiga, Garu, Tempane, and Binduri Districts.

This comes after one person was reported dead from the anthrax disease after consuming the carcass of an anthrax-infected cow in the region.

The Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Emmanuel Dzotse said that 11 others have since been traced as suspects of eating the carcass of the infected mammal.

Dr Dzote further assured that samples from all suspected persons will be taken for testing and will be treated with Ciprofloxacin and Doxycycline.

Following the incident, the Council in a press statement issued on Monday, June 5, 2023, tasked the Municipal and District Chief Executives to ensure that slaughter, sale and consumption of cattle, sheep, goats and dogs are banned in the districts.

They also tasked the Police to “apprehend or arrest any person or group of persons who flout the directive.”

The Council also directed Veterinary officers to commence anthrax vaccination of the categories of ruminants immediately.

"Owners of animals are to make their animals available for vaccination at their respective places of residence to contain the outbreak,” the statement said.

The statement further called for support and cooperation from all stakeholders before the outbreak becomes a regional or national catastrophe.