Ministry confirms bird flu outbreak in Sunyani

Accra, May 22, GNA - The Ministry of Food and Agriculture on Tuesday confirmed the outbreak of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) on a farm at Asoukwa area in the New Dormaa suburb of Sunyani of the Brong-Ahafo Region but assured the public that steps were being taken to control the spread.

A statement issued by the Ministry in Accra said necessary steps had been taken to contain the disease in the area including destruction of all birds on the farms and disinfection.

The farm is under quarantine, it said, adding that surveillance of farms in the Sunyani District had been intensified. The Ministry reminded the general public to report any unusual death of birds to the nearest Agriculture office.

The dead birds should not be touched bare hands, it said, stressing "wear a polythene bag on your hand, pick up the dead bird, put it into another polythene bag and send it immediately to the nearest Veterinary or Agriculture office."

"Also remember that the greatest risk of exposure to the virus is through slaughter and handling of infected birds." The Ministry advised poultry farmers to strengthen bio-security on their farms.

The Ministry, meanwhile reminded the general public that the ban on the importation of poultry and poultry products, including feathers, from infected countries such as Nigeria, Burkina Faso, La C=F4te d'Ivoire, Egypt, Niger, Cameroon was still in force.

"Our security agencies are urgently requested to intensify their vigilance along our borders and at all entry points," it emphasized.