The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has confirmed an outbreak of Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) in the Ellembelle District of Ghana’s Western Region. The disease was first detected on January 12, 2025, after reports of unusual fish deaths in Kambungli.
According to the Ministry, EUS is a severe transboundary disease recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). It is caused by the pathogen Aphanomyces invadans sp. and presents as skin ulcers and lesions. Several wild freshwater fish species have been affected, including catfish and snakehead.
A team of experts from multiple institutions was deployed to investigate and contain the outbreak. The institutions include the Fish Health Unit of the Fisheries Commission, Water Research Institute (WRI), Accra Veterinary Laboratory, Emed Diagnostic Services, Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP).
Histopathological and PCR testing methods confirmed the presence of the disease, with 80% of tested samples returning positive results.
To contain the outbreak, the Ministry has imposed a temporary fishing ban on the Ebi, Amanzule, and Fia rivers within the Ellembelle District. The movement of live fish from affected areas is restricted, and infected fish are being disposed of through burning or incineration.
