Veterinary Officer appeals for support to curb rabies deaths in Ghana's Bongo District

Mr Hamidu Sadat, Bongo District Veterinary Officer, has appealed to the Government to allocate funds to support rabies prevention and control activities in the district. The district has recorded the highest number of rabies-related deaths in the Upper East Region, with five deaths occurring between June 2025 and September 2026. The region recorded a total of 36 rabies-related deaths during the same period.

Mr Sadat attributed the high number of rabies-related deaths to the district's proximity to Burkina Faso, where dogs are often brought into the area without proper monitoring or proof of vaccination. Dogs from the Yelwongo market in Burkina Faso are transported to various markets in the region, including Bolgatanga and Bongo, increasing the risk of rabies transmission.

The Veterinary Officer noted that some of the dogs escape during transportation and become stray or community dogs, further increasing the risk of rabies transmission. He also expressed concern that many victims of dog bites fail to seek medical treatment due to the high cost of anti-rabies vaccines, which is around GH₵1,000.00.

Mr Sadat disclosed that the district received only 120 doses of anti-rabies vaccine for dogs during the last vaccination exercise, which is woefully inadequate. The district's dog population is estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000, with most households owning one or two dogs for hunting purposes.

The district previously benefited from a government-supported programme that provided free anti-rabies vaccines for victims of dog bites, but supplies have become irregular. Mr Sadat expressed optimism that increasing vaccination coverage among dogs would significantly reduce human exposure to rabies and prevent further deaths.

Mr Sadat appealed to the Government and relevant stakeholders to provide adequate funding and vaccines to support free mass dog vaccination exercises in the district. He emphasized that sustained dog vaccination campaigns, improved monitoring of animals entering the country, and prompt reporting and treatment of dog bites are essential measures for controlling rabies and protecting public health.

The Bongo District Veterinary Officer's appeal comes as the Ghana Meteorological Agency warns of a developing El Niño that is projected to impact Ghana's weather from November 2026 through April 2027. The agency warns that the event could bring hotter, drier conditions, prolonged dry spells, and possible sudden heavy rainfall, which could affect farming, water supplies, power generation, and public health.

Key points

• The Bongo District has recorded the highest number of rabies-related deaths in the Upper East Region, with five deaths occurring between June 2025 and September 2026.
• The district's proximity to Burkina Faso has contributed to the high number of rabies-related deaths due to the transportation of unvaccinated dogs into the area.
• The Veterinary Officer has appealed to the Government to allocate funds to support rabies prevention and control activities in the district.