Zoonotic Risks from Domestic Animals in Ghana

Abstract

Zoonoses are diseases or infections which are naturally transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans and vice versa. These infections account for more than half of human infections worldwide, with most cases reported in developing countries like Ghana. The Government of Ghana recently launched the “Rearing for Food and Jobs Campaign”, an initiative to bridge the glaring deficit in protein supply. This has resulted in increased livestock production nationwide in response to the increasing demand for animal protein. Increase in both human and livestock population in the country have implications for transmission of zoonotic diseases, as it allows for more frequent interactions between the two within a limited space. Multiple animals are kept in various homes at varying levels of confinement. Security concerns, particularly in urban areas, have resulted in an increased reliance on dogs, while financial considerations have mainly driven a rapid increase in livestock production both at commercial and smallholder levels. Taking into account that the pandemics in the past few decades have animal origins, this growing human-animal interconnection is of concern. Albeit an increased household-human-animal ratio, there is a paucity of epidemiological data on domestic animals in Ghana. Several zoonotic diseases have been reported in Ghana, including rabies, toxocariasis, toxoplasmosis, Q-fever, hepatitis E and brucellosis. Risk factors such as close contact with animals, poor hand hygiene, poor sanitation, and unvaccinated, free-ranging animals have been linked with zoonotic transmissions. Zoonoses have been recorded in homes, slaughterhouses, and on farms in farm workers, butchers, and vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, and HIV patients. A ‘One-Health’ approach, which comprises well-coordinated activities of both health and veterinary services, will facilitate timely diagnosis and effective control of zoonoses in Ghana.

Ticks and prevalence of tick-borne pathogens from domestic animals in Ghana

“…Additionally, livestock are commonly allowed free movement to search for water and food. These free-roaming animals have increased exposure to various pathogens that in turn may be transmitted to livestock handlers, veterinarians, abattoir workers and the general population [ 30 ]. Ghana is a coastal country bordered by three countries and offers different ecological zones that may influence the distribution of arthropod vectors and their diseases.…”

Assessing the Occurrence of Host-Specific Faecal Indicator Markers in Water Systems as a Function of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Practices: A Case Study in Rural Communities of Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa

“…The use of manure on farms necessitates good husbandry practices with proper veterinary care. This, in turn, would alleviate zoonosis [7]. Not only does bad manure management introduce pathogens into the water course, but Font-Palma [49] mentions the heavy metals, antibiotics, and the release of gases contributing towards greenhouse gases and salt toxicity.…”

“…Similarly, livestock that are kept passively and allowed to forage randomly often have little veterinary care. This allows them to be reservoirs for disease-causing zoonotic parasites and pose a risk to public health [7].…”

“…Additionally, domestic animals pose health risks for their owners in rural environments. The efforts to cut back on costs, while ensuring security for their stock forces farmers to keep animals in close proximity, with very close contact daily [7]. Domesticated animals that are fed household wastes or neglected to become scavengers may increase the risk of zoonosis in a household.…”

Preliminary survey of feline intestinal parasites in Ghana

“…Endoparasitism in cats may cause mild or life-threatening disorders, depending on the species of the parasite and the parasite loads [4]. Zoonotic transmissions from cats to humans may occur through contact with animal fur/hair, excrement, or exposure to contaminated environmental matrices (including soil, water, and food) infested with feline parasite eggs, larvae or oocysts [5]. Some feline parasites have been reported to cause diseases of public health importance, including cutaneous and visceral larva migrans, dipylidiasis, and toxoplasmosis [6].…”