Bird flu hits Accra, Volta and central regions

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, through its Directorate of Veterinary Services, has confirmed the outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza disease, also known as avian influenza in parts of the country. country.

These are the regions of Greater Accra, Center and Volta.

The outbreak of the disease follows the detection of similar cases in neighboring countries since January 2021.

The ministry said in a press release: “Through effective surveillance and management of disease control, the Directorate of Veterinary Services has so far prevented the spread of the disease in Ghana.

Cases of avian influenza had already been recorded in 2007, 2015, 2016 and 2018, with a significant economic impact on the affected poultry farmers.

He said: “The zoonotic nature of the disease calls for public alert and vigilance to mitigate the possible impact on the poultry industry and public health in general.”

As a result, the ministry announces the following measures for immediate compliance:

1. A total ban on the import of poultry and poultry products from neighboring countries where the prevalence of the disease has been confirmed.

2. A ban on the movement of poultry and poultry products within and from affected regions and districts to other parts of the country, and strict inspection and licensing to cover the movement of all poultry and poultry products from unaffected regions of the country.

3. Intensification of public awareness and awareness by Regional Coordinating Councils and District Assemblies, especially in affected areas.

To further ensure the public safety of citizens, the ministry advised people to

I. report any unusual deaths of domestic poultry and wild birds to the Veterinary Office and the nearest public authorities,

ii. avoid at all costs handling dead birds with bare hands,

iii. consume only well-cooked poultry meat and poultry products.

The ministry assured the general public that “there is no reason to fear and panic since the Directorate of Veterinary Services is taking all necessary measures to contain the epidemic and the spread of the disease in other regions of the country. country. The success of this appeal depends on the full cooperation of the general public.