The Ministry of Food and Agriculture on July 16, 2021, released an open letter through Dr. Patrick Abakeh (Director, Veterinary Services Directorate) to create awareness on an outbreak of a disease called AVIAN INFLUENZA. This is a disease that Ghana has tasted its wrath in the Agricultural Sector in 20007, 2015, and 2018 which had a very bad impact on Poultry Farmers. The disease in Ghana is known as Bird Flu.
The letter stated that Greater Accra, Central, and Volta regional part of the country has been affected by the Bird Flu.
It revealed that the disease was detected in neighboring countries since January this year but the Directorate of the Veterinary Service under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has been preventing it from spreading into Ghana until this time of the year.
The Ministry wishes to let Ghanaians know that the nature of the disease calls for public attention to be alert and vigilant to attenuate the severity of the impact on the Poultry Industry and Public-Health in general.
The following were highlighted for the Public to comply;
A total ban on the importation of Poultry and Poultry Products from neighboring countries where the disease has been confirmed.
A total ban on the movement of Poultry and Poultry Products within and from affect regions of the country (Greater Accra, Central, and Volta) to other parts.
Intensifying of publicity of the outbreak and sensitization by Regional Coordinating Councils and District Assemblies especially in the affected areas.
The Ministry goes on to say that, to ensure the safety of the public, the following actions must be taken where necessary;
Report any unusual death of domestic poultry and wild bird to the nearest Veterinary offices or public authorities.
Avoid handling birds with bare hands at all times at all cost
Consume only well-cooked poultry meats
The Ministry assured the public that there is nothing to be anxious about because the Veterinary Directorate is working to curb the spread of the disease.
Let us all be on alert as Ghanaians.
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