Ghana’s sheep and goats face a serious danger from a disease known as Peste des Petits Ruminants or PPR. This illness can be deadly for these animals. Officials from the ECOWAS Regional Animal Health Centre RAHC have raised this concern.
The RAHC estimates that around 265 million sheep and goats across the entire ECOWAS region are at risk. This highlights the widespread nature of the potential threat to livestock.
In Ghana specifically, the number of animals at risk is very high. Approximately 7.5 million goats and 6.5 million sheep are currently vulnerable to the PPR disease.
The ECOWAS Regional Animal Health Centre stated that this disease poses a significant challenge to animal health and economies across the West African sub-region.
The economic impact of such a widespread animal disease could be substantial. Farmers' livelihoods depend heavily on healthy livestock for meat and other products.
Further details on the steps being taken to prevent the spread of PPR were not immediately available from the RAHC.
PPR is highly contagious and can cause serious illness and death in young ruminants. Its prevention often involves vaccination programs.
Ghana’s agricultural sector, which includes a large population of sheep and goats, could suffer greatly if the disease spreads unchecked.
The RAHC is working with member states to monitor and combat animal diseases like PPR.
More information on the specific threat level and response plans within Ghana will be provided by local animal health authorities.