Core Division

The Public Health Unit, headed by a veterinary public health specialist, focuses on the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases, including rabies, brucellosis, and Bovine TB. This unit works closely with the human health and environmental sectors under the One Health approach to mitigate risks posed by animal-borne diseases. It also engages in public awareness campaigns and ensures proper disposal of animal waste to protect public health. This unit oversee the veterinary drugs and biological and report to international bodies timely.

The Food Safety Unit, under the leadership of a veterinary food safety specialist, ensures that animal-derived food products such as meat, milk, and eggs meet safety standards before reaching consumers. Veterinary meat inspectors deployed by this unit enforce the Meat Inspection Regulations (L.I. 2405) at slaughterhouses and processing facilities across Ghana. Additionally, the unit conducts risk assessments and collaborates with regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to uphold food safety standards.

The Vector Control Unit, led by a veterinary entomologist, is responsible for the control of tsetse flies and other disease vectors that affect livestock health and productivity. Through surveillance, mapping of vector populations, and the implementation of integrated vector management strategies—including insecticide application and biological control methods—this unit helps mitigate the impact of vector-borne diseases such as Trypanosomiasis, which significantly affects livestock productivity in Ghana.

Recognizing the importance of biodiversity conservation and the risk of disease transmission between domestic animals and wildlife, the Wildlife Health Unit is tasked with monitoring and controlling diseases in wild animal populations. This unit, headed by a veterinary wildlife specialist, works closely with conservation agencies such as the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission to investigate disease outbreaks among wildlife species, conduct health assessments, and prevent the spillover of infectious diseases from wild to domestic animals and humans. It plays a critical role in ensuring ecosystem health and supporting conservation efforts in Ghana’s national parks and protected areas.

The Aquatic Animal Health Unit, led by an aquatic animal health specialist, focuses on monitoring and controlling diseases affecting farmed and wild fish populations. With the rapid expansion of aquaculture in Ghana, this unit provides disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and biosecurity guidance to fish farmers. By preventing and managing aquatic diseases, it supports the sustainability of the fisheries sector and ensures the health of aquatic ecosystems.

The Disease Investigation Farms and Veterinary Laboratories play a vital role in diagnosing animal diseases, conducting research, and providing scientific data for disease management. Led by veterinary pathologists and laboratory specialists, these facilities perform postmortem examinations, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance, and laboratory testing for major livestock, poultry, and aquatic diseases. Their work is critical in confirming outbreaks and guiding effective disease control measures.

Veterinary extension officers, who are experts in animal husbandry and disease prevention, provide technical advice and training to livestock farmers. Through farmer education programs, they promote best practices in biosecurity, disease prevention, and responsible antimicrobial use.

The Regulatory and Compliance Unit ensures the enforcement of animal health laws and policies. Veterinary regulatory specialists oversee livestock movement control, quarantine measures, and the issuance of import and export permits for live animals and animal products. They also regulate veterinary pharmaceuticals to prevent the misuse of drugs and safeguard animal and public health.

The Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit, led by veterinary emergency response specialists, develops contingency plans for disease outbreaks and other animal health emergencies. This unit coordinates national response efforts, maintains vaccine banks, and deploys rapid response teams to contain outbreaks of high-impact diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and African Swine Fever (ASF).

Additionally, research and policy development remain integral to the VSD’s mandate. The Research Unit collaborate with veterinary academia to conduct applied research on disease control, animal production, and food safety, generating scientific data to support evidence-based policymaking. Their work informs strategies for improving animal health and ensuring compliance with international standards set by organizations such as the WOAH and the WTO-SPS Agreement.