Following recent confirmed cases of Anthrax in Cattle, Sheep, Goats, and humans in parts of Port Loko and Karene Districts, the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and the Ministry of Environment, has in a press release issued new directives with regards to the movement of animals

The government of Sierra Leone on the 16th of May announced the discovery of anthrax disease among animals in the northern district of Port Loko. A statement published by the Agriculture Ministry says that people can become very sick if they come into contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

Following recent confirmed cases of Anthrax in Cattle, Sheep, Goats, and humans in parts of Port Loko and Karene Districts, the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and the Ministry of Environment, hereby issue the following new directives:

1. Movement and transportation of livestock from the districts of Port Loko, Kambia, and Karene to any non-affected districts are still STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

2. The temporary ban on movement and transportation of cattle, sheep, and goats among the non-affected districts IS LIFTED

3. All animal movement and transportation among the following districts Bo, Pujehun, Bonthe, Moyamba, Kono, Kenema, Kailahun, Tonkolili, Bombali, Koinadugu, and Falaba MUST STRICTLY COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS:

All animals to be moved or transported must be inspected by a District Livestock Officer or District Veterinary Officer to ascertain their health status.

Only healthy animals should be issued with A SIGNED MOVEMENT PERMIT by the District Livestock Officer or a District Veterinary Officer before they can be moved or transported.

All movement permits expire within 48 hours from the time of issue.

Movement and Transportation of cattle, sheep, and goats are PROHIBITED after 8:00 PM.

While in transit, all animals must be inspected by the assigned Livestock & Veterinary officer at the various checkpoints;

All animals to be slaughtered for commercial purposes must undergo antemortem and post-mortem inspection by the Livestock/ Veterinary officer/Livestock Inspectors assigned to the slaughter facility

All public or other concerns on animal health must be directed to the Livestock and Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Agriculture Building, Brookfields, Freetown.