Accra: The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFA) has announced a temporary fishing ban on Kambungli, Ellembelle District, in the Western Region as part of measures to contain a fish disease outbreak in the area. The fishing ban on the Ebi, Amanzule, and Fia rivers is also to safeguard aquatic health, protect biodiversity, and preserve the livelihood of fisherfolk in the area.

According to Ghana News Agency, the ministry, in a statement issued by its Public Relations Unit, added that other measures include MoFA working closely with the district authorities and relevant agencies to enforce strict regulations on the movement of live fish from the affected areas. The statement emphasized the importance of safely disposing of infected fish, preferably by burning or incinerating, and encouraged the public to report any unusual appearance or behavior of fish promptly.

The alert regarding the unusual fish mortality event in the district was raised on January 12, 2025, by the Fish Health Unit (FHU) of the Fisheries Commission. Further investigations confirmed the outbreak of Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS), a severe transboundary disease recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The disease, caused by the pathogen Aphanomyces invadans sp., manifests as skin ulcers and lesions and has affected several wild freshwater species, including catfish and snakehead.

Upon receiving the report, a multidisciplinary team, including experts from the FHU of the Fisheries Commission, the Water Research Institute (WRI), Accra Veterinary Laboratory, Emed Diagnostic Services, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), conducted further tests. Histopathological and PCR testing methods confirmed the presence of the disease, with 80% of tested samples returning positive results.

The ministry further urged the public to remain vigilant and support these measures, assuring them of its commitment to the protection of aquatic life, the sustainability of the fisheries sector, and the food security of all Ghanaians.