Cases of bird flu confirmed in Western region

The Poultry Farmers Association of Ghana has confirmed that some birds at a poultry farm in New Takoradi, a suburb of Tarkwa in the Western Region, have been affected with the avian influenza (bird flu).

The Association however said the Veterinary Services Department has been able to contain the situation.

A team of veterinary and environmental officials last week destroyed about 250 birds, eight crates of eggs, four bags of poultry feed and empty egg crates suspected to have been infected with the disease.

In order to avoid creating unnecessary panic, the veterinary officials refused to tell the public what necessitated their action.

But President of the Poultry Farmers Association, Victor Oppong, who was part of the team that destroyed the birds confirmed on Onua FM’s Yen Sempa hosted by Kwame Karikari Wednesday the birds were affected with bird flu.

He said farmers, visitors and workers have been advised to stay away from the affected farm as part of the measures to ensure that the bird flu is completely eradicated.

Mr. Oppong however urged Ghanaians not be afraid to consume poultry products on the market because they are safe.