The Veterinary Services Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has confirmed that the outbreak of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza Disease popularly known as 'Bird Flu, has hit some parts of the country.
According to the Veterinary Services Directorate, the Greater Accra, Central and the Volta Regions are the current hotspots for the disease.
In a statement signed by the Director, Veterinary Services Directorate, Dr. Patrick Abakeh, he said "The disease follows the detection of similar cases in neighbouring countries since January, 2021. Through effective surveillance and disease control management, the Veterinary Services Directorate has been able to prevent the extension of the disease into Ghana until now"
He added that the causes of the Bird flu diseases were previously recorded in 2017, 2015, 2016 and in 2018 with significant economic impact on affected poultry farmers.
Mr. Abakeh, further, explained that 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.
He also mentioned that accordingly, the Ministry has outlined some measures for immediate compliance.
"A total ban on the importation of poultry and poultry products from neighbouring countries when where the prevalence of the disease has been confirmed" he said.
"A ban on the movement of poultry and poultry products within and from the affected regions and districts to other parts of the country and strict inspection and insurance of permits to cover the movement of all poultry and poultry products from unaffected parts of the country"
The Director at the Veterinary Services Directorate also called on the public to report any unusual death of domestic poultry and wild birds to the nearest Veterinary office and public authorities.
The Ministry says it is assuring the public that there is no cause for fear and panic since the Veterinary Services Directorate is yanking all necessary steps to contain the outbreak and spread of the disease to other parts of the country.
Below are copies of the release:
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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