Sierra Leone Bans Movement of Livestock and Meat Import

Sierra Leone has banned the movement of livestock and meat imports from neighbouring Liberia after 36 cows died near the border. The government said, that it was stepping up surveillance for possible anthrax.

In a statement received on Tuesday by AFP, the Sierra Leonean government said that the movement of all cattle, goats and sheep had been banned along the border, and livestock markets had been temporarily closed in bordering areas.

Liberian authorities said the cattle deaths began in July near the town of Kelima Bendu in Lofa County, about 10 kilometres (six miles) from the Sierra Leonean border and 15 kilometres from the border with Guinea. Tests are being carried out to find the cause.

In May 2022, an anthrax outbreak in Sierra Leone killed more than 200 animals.