Asene manso akroso: 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 initiative is part of the Department's efforts to boost disease surveillance, improve animal welfare, and protect public health through effective veterinary interventions.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Vitus Yinzee Kolog, an officer of the Veterinary Unit, stated that routine visits to commercial and household livestock farms have been increased to ensure the early detection, treatment, and prevention of animal diseases. The Unit has adopted flexible working arrangements to enable officers to respond promptly to animal health cases beyond regular working hours.
Mr. Kolog noted that the Department is also promoting the 'One Health' concept, which fosters collaboration among animal, human, and environmental health professionals in preventing and controlling diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. However, he identified inadequate supplies of veterinary drugs and vaccines as a significant challenge affecting the Unit's operations. The shortage has hindered efforts to control diseases such as anthrax, rabies, and bovine tuberculosis, and discouraged 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 emphasized that adequate support would strengthen disease surveillance, expand outreach services, and enhance 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 mentioned that the department plans 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 patronize meat from approved sources and adhere to food safety measures to protect public health and support agricultural development.