In response to the unexplained death of 36 cows in a border area, Sierra Leonean authorities have imposed a ban on the movement of cattle from Liberia and the import of meat from the neighboring country.
The incident occurred in the town of Kelima Bendu, located in Lofa County, approximately ten kilometers from the Sierra Leone border and fifteen kilometers from Guinea.
Liberian authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the cattle deaths, although no timeline has been provided for when the results will be made known.
As a precautionary measure, Sierra Leone has implemented several actions, including the prohibition of cattle, goats, and sheep movement along the border with Liberia, temporary closure of livestock markets in the border area, and increased surveillance in slaughterhouses.
These measures aim to prevent any potential spread of the unknown cause of death to Sierra Leonean livestock.
It is important to note that Sierra Leone experienced an anthrax epidemic in May 2022, which resulted in the loss of over 200 animals.
Anthrax, caused by spores that can remain dormant in the soil for extended periods, poses a risk to both animals and humans, with potentially fatal consequences in rare cases.
Authorities in both Sierra Leone and Liberia are taking these precautions to ensure the safety of their respective livestock populations and mitigate any potential risks to public health.