The Veterinary Service Directorate of Ghana has indicated that in the fight against rabies, a total of 61,796 animals—comprising 57,439 dogs and 4,357 cats were vaccinated between January and September 2024.
Among the regions, Greater Accra recorded the highest number of animals vaccinated, with 11,929 dogs and 1,672 cats, totaling 13,601 animals.
The Upper East Region followed with 7,653 animals vaccinated, including 6,910 dogs and 743 cats, while the Ashanti Region recorded 7,141 animals vaccinated, comprising 6,820 dogs and 321 cats. The Eastern Region and Bono Region also reported significant numbers, vaccinating 6,159 and 5,281 animals respectively.
In contrast, the North East Region reported the lowest vaccination figures, with only 1,020 dogs and 1 cat vaccinated, amounting to 1,021 animals. Similarly, the Oti Region had low numbers, with 651 dogs and 6 cats vaccinated.
Other regions with relatively low vaccination numbers include the Savannah Region, which vaccinated 707 animals (611 dogs and 96 cats), and the Western North Region, which vaccinated 1,122 animals (1,102 dogs and 20 cats).
However, the challenge remains as 91 positive cases of rabies have been recorded nationwide within the same period.
Greater Accra recorded the highest number of dog rabies cases, with 34 cases reported. The Bono Region followed with 18 cases, while the North East Region recorded 14 cases. The Western Region reported 11 cases, and the Ashanti Region had 8 cases. On the other hand, the Upper West Region reported the lowest number of cases, with only 2 cases recorded.
As of September, 26 human fatalities were recorded due to rabies.
One of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases (illnesses that are transmitted from animals to humans, often through direct contact with animals or through vectors like ticks and fleas) in Ghana is rabies, a viral disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The disease is commonly spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, primarily dogs.
In Ghana, over 2.5 million dogs are currently unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, a major factor contributing to the spread of rabies.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service and development partners, launched the National Rabies Prevention Campaign in 2023. The campaign, themed “Prevent the Bite or Scratch! Vaccinate your Dog! Stop Rabies Now!” seeks to vaccinate 70% of Ghana’s dog population over a 3 to 5-year period, which is necessary to achieve herd immunity and significantly reduce the spread of rabies.
Veterinary technologist at the Directorate, Mr. Eshun in an engagement with The Independent Ghana explained the vaccination campaign faces several challenges. One major issue is the inability of pet owners to control or restrain their dogs during vaccination campaigns.
“The Service is faced with challenges because owners of the animals cannot hold them,” he noted. Additionally, the vaccination efforts are underfunded. He highlighted additional costs such as publicity for vaccination campaigns, staff transportation, and motivation for those administering the vaccines.
“The percentage of treated rabies cases is still low because you need a lot of funding. The vaccination is not just about the vaccine itself; the activities surrounding the vaccination should also be costed. That is where we always get it wrong,” Mr Eshun said.
Mr. Eshun stressed the need for greater government commitment to addressing the challenges surrounding animal care in Ghana, adding that without sustained investment in animal health, the risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks will remain high.
Among other matters, Emmanuel Eshun has expressed concern over the poor animal care practices in Ghana, warning that they are contributing to the spread of zoonotic diseases.
He stressed that the careless treatment of animals—particularly the lack of vaccination, proper housing, and health care—creates an environment ripe for the transmission of zoonotic diseases.
“The inability of some Ghanaians to access their own basic needs prevents them from prioritizing the welfare of animals,” he noted, adding that wild animals kept as pets are also a growing concern in terms of disease transmission.
Mr Eshun explained that ectoparasites—external parasites like ticks, fleas, and mites—play a significant role in the transmission of zoonotic diseases. These parasites, which thrive in environments where animals are poorly cared for, can carry dangerous pathogens that affect both animals and humans.
A lack of regular animal grooming and hygiene contributes to the spread of ectoparasites, increasing the risk of diseases such as Lyme disease, scabies, and flea-borne illnesses.
“A lot of people cannot bathe their animals. If you cannot bathe your animal, it means that the tendency for the animal to have a lot of ectoparasites is higher,” Mr Eshun stated.
Poor grooming and hygiene, combined with a lack of regular health checks, leave many animals vulnerable to infections, which can eventually spill over into human populations.