The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has announced that bird flu has hit three regions in Ghana. The three regions are Greater Accra, Central Region and Volta Region.
The Ministry in a statement noted that the outbreak of the disease in Ghana comes after similar cases were detected in neighbouring countries since January 2021.
“The Ministry of Food and Agriculture through its Veterinary Services Directorate, has confirmed the outbreak of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza disease, otherwise known as Bird Flu in some parts of the country. These are the Greater Accra, Central and Volta Regions. The outbreak of 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 prevented the extension of the disease into Ghana until now,” the statement reads.
The Ministry disclosed that cases of bird flu were recorded in 2007, 2015, 2016, and 2018 hence affecting poultry farmers economically.
The Ministry further said; ”it wishes to assure the general public that there is no cause for fear and panic, since the Veterinary Services Directorate is taking all necessary steps to contain the outbreak and spread of the disease to other parts of the country. The success of this call hinges on the full cooperation of the general public. For further enquiries, kindly contact Dr. Patrick Abakeh, Director Veterinary Services Directorate on phone number 020-8240734.”
The Ministry has put the following precautionary measures in place to prevent wide spread.
- Ban on the importation of poultry and poultry products from countries where the disease has been confirmed.
- Ban of poultry and poultry products’ movement within and from affected regions and districts to other parts of the country, accompanied with strict inspections and issuance of permits to cover the movement of poultry and poultry products to unaffected parts of the country.
- Creating public awareness and sensitization by Regional Coordinating Councils and District Assemblies.
Citizens are also advised to do the following to ensure public savety.
i. Report unusual death of poultry and wild birds to the nearest veterinary office and public authorities.
ii. Avoid handling dead birds with bare hands.
iii. Eat well cooked poultry and poultry products only.