Poultry farmers panic over outbreak of Bird Flu

Bird flu
Birds


Fear has gripped members of the Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association (GAFA) following the outbreak of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza disease, also known as Bird Flu, in parts of the country.


According to GAFA, the outbreak of the bird flu will no doubt have a negative impact on their businesses and could even lead to the collapse of their farms.
Already members of the association are reeling under the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely affected their businesses.

Speaking on Citi News which was monitored by DAILY Analyst, the President of GAFA, Michael Nyarko Ampem, said before the announcement of the outbreak of the disease, poultry farmers were struggling to get feed for their birds which led to low production.

“It is a double blow because we are reeling under the unavailability of maize and other resources for production and then this [outbreak] comes in. It is a big blow and really going to affect the way we do things because the government said importation of day-old chicks from neighbouring countries that have been affected has been banned, so it is going to affect the already precarious situation and make it worse. It is a not pleasant time for poultry farmers,” he lamented.


While urging the public to report any unusual death of domestic poultry and wild birds to the authorities, Mr Nyarko Ampem asked the government to find a quick resolution to the shortage of poultry feed.


The Ministry of Food and agriculture over the weekend announced that there was an outbreak of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza disease, also known as Bird Flu, in parts of the country.

According to the ministry, its Veterinary Services Directorate detected the Flu in the Greater Accra, Central and Volta Regions.


“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,” a statement from the Ministry announced.

“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 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,” the statement, signed by Dr. Patrick Abakeh, Director, Veterinary Services Directorate, added.

To that end, the ministry announced the following measures for immediate compliance:

  1. A total ban on the importation of poultry and poultry products from neighbouring countries where the prevalence of the disease has been confirmed.
  2. 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 issuance of permits to cover the movement of all poultry and poultry products from unaffected parts of the country.
  3. Intensification of public awareness and sensitization by Regional
    Coordinating Councils and District Assemblies, especially in the affected areas.

To further ensure public safety, citizens are advised to:
i. Report any unusual death of domestic poultry and wild birds to the nearest Veterinary office and public authorities,

ii. Avoid the handling of dead birds with bare hands at all costs,

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

“The Ministry 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.”
Cases of the Bird Flu disease were previously recorded in Ghana in 2007, 2015, 2016 and 2018.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com

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