Ghana: 40,000 poultry birds at risk of bird flu

(AGI) - Accra, Jul 29 - The ghanian poultry farmers association and the government are collaborating effectively to deal with the situation. Poultry farmers have been advised to work with strict regulations and follow through, instructions given by the authorities in charge of the sector. The country's Ministry of Food and Agriculture has therefore revealed that over 40,000 poultry birds are at risk of contracting the H1N1 or Bird flu. According to the Ministry, a total of 36 locations recorded outbreaks last year, with over 76,000 birds destroyed in order to contain the spread of the disease and another 26,000 birds died naturally from the disease. This year, a total of nearly 26,000 birds have been destroyed and nearly 10,000 birds have died naturally from the disease, with 13 outbreak sites, the Ministry said. Speaking at a workshop organized by the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) to deepen the engagement of the media in reporting accurately and promoting poultry industry about Bird Flu, a Ghanaian Consultant of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Dr. William Amanfu attributed the spread of the disease to the behaviours of poultry famers, despite government's interventions. "The bird flu is persistent in some areas because a lot of our behaviours haven't changed, despite repeated appeals and talks, seminars and workshops. So they go to farms and collect things and do contrary to everything that we say here," Mr. Amanfu stated. Meanwhile, a Specialist at the Veterinary Services Department in Accra, Dr. Anthony Akunzule, has assured poultry birds available on the markets are wholesome because of the ban of movement placed on infected birds. (AGI) .