A total of 107,704 birds have so far been affected by the Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the country which was detected in Ghana on July 6 and samples were taken to the laboratory and confirmed on July 8, 2021.
According to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the outbreak of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza disease is currently in Greater Accra, Central, Volta, Ashanti, and Western Region.
Greater Accra had 22 cases as of 22nd August 2021, while Central, Volta, Ashanti, and Western Region had 5, 2, 1 and one respectively.
Cases of the Bird Flu disease were previously recorded in 2007, 2015, 2016, and 2018, with a significant economic impact on affected poultry farmers.
The Center for Disease Control explained that the disease was caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses.
These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.
Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans.
The Ministry, therefore, declared a total ban on the importation of poultry and poultry products from neighboring countries where the prevalence of the disease had been confirmed.
It has also placed 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.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Kofi Atakora
