The President of the Veterinary Medical Technologist Association of Ghana (VEMTAG), Emmanuel Eshun, has expressed concern over the poor animal care practices in Ghana, warning that they are contributing to the spread of zoonotic diseases.
Speaking in an engagement with The Independent Ghana in a yet-to-be-aired documentary, Mr Eshun, who is also a veterinary technologist at the Veterinary Services Department, highlighted the cultural and economic factors behind the neglect of animal welfare and the associated risks for both humans and animals.
Zoonotic diseases are illnesses that are transmitted from animals to humans, often through direct contact with animals or through vectors like ticks and fleas. According to Mr Eshun, 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.
Cultural and Attitudinal Barriers to Animal Welfare
While laws such as the Diseases of Animals Act exist to regulate animal health and welfare, Mr Eshun argued that the root of the problem lies in cultural attitudes.
“People own these animals based on economy, culture, and security,” he said, noting that many Ghanaians see animals—especially dogs—as mere tools for hunting or guarding property, rather than as beings deserving of care and attention.
This cultural neglect extends to basic health care for animals, with many pet owners failing to provide vaccinations, routine deworming, and proper nutrition.
“They don’t really regard them—giving them the welfare, housing, food, and shelter that they deserve,” Eshun lamented.
He added, “We have had instances where people have practised as veterinarians but aren’t veterinarians, and we’ve sent them to court. Even the police, their attitude towards that case is not encouraging for you to even go to the next level where a judge will say, ‘I will sit and punish somebody.’”
This, he stressed, is a societal issue that requires a collective understanding of the consequences of poor animal care.
Rabies Vaccination and the Challenges
One of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases 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. According to the Veterinary Services Department, there have been 31 confirmed rabies cases in animals across nine regions in Ghana as of September 2024, with 26 human fatalities.
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.
However, as Mr. Eshun 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.
