Western Region Director of the Veterinary Services Dr. Simone Gbene has disclosed that a total of 10, 000 birds have been destroyed following the detection of the Avian Influenza on two farms.
The farms are at Apremdo in the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly and Airport Ridge in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly.
“We have destroyed all the affected birds on the two farms where the Avian Influenza was detected. We have also gone ahead to disinfect the farms thoroughly,” he told host of Connect FM’s morning show Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson on Wednesday, January 19.
When asked whether it is safe for the public to continue with the consumption of birds, Dr. Gbene said “all the affected birds have been destroyed so there is no unwholesome bird on the market”.
He explained that owners of the affected birds have also been directed to adhere to strict operational protocols in accordance with WHO guidelines.
High Alert
Meanwhile, the Western Region Public Health Directorate has placed health directorate in all metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) on high alert following the detection of the Avian Influenza in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis and the Effia Kwesimintsim municipality.
A letter signed by the Deputy Regional Director of Public Health, Dr. Gifty Amugi, and sighted by 3news.com stated that the case “was brought to light when the regional Veterinary laboratory confirmed the infection on two poultry farms in the two districts by veterinary officers”.
It, however, assured that all birds on the two farms have since been destroyed and preliminary disinfection initiated.
The letter is, therefore, requesting all health personnel to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of Avian Influenza since it is highly infectious and can be fatal to humans.
The letter directed that all suspected cases should be reported, managed in isolation, contact traced and samples taken for confirmation.
By Eric Yaw Adjei|Connect FM|3news.com|Ghana