Veterinary officer David Lartey is urging the general public and poultry keepers to remain vigilant and practice strict biosecurity measures after the outbreak of the highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza disease, also known as Bird Flu, in some parts of the country.
Speaking with Ohene Addo on Plan B FM ‘Nkosuo Nsem’, he advised poultry keepers and Ghanaians to be vigilant when it comes to the consumption of chicken and other poultry items.
“We’ve detected the Flu in the Greater Accra, Central and Volta Regions. I will urge everyone to continue to be cautions and remain vigilant so it doesn’t spread to the other regions. For those who do not know what bird flu is, it is a viral disease caused by the H5N1 virus. Humans can contract this deadly virus by eating meat; this should not affect our consumption of chicken or other poultry. Thorough cooking kills the flu virus, along with any bacteria present” he remarked.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture over the weekend announced that there’s an outbreak of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza disease, also known as Bird Flu, in some 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.”
Cases of the Bird Flu disease were previously recorded in Ghana in 2007, 2015, 2016 and 2018.
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