Ghanaians urged to recognize role of Veterinarians in nation's economy

Elmina (C/R), May 12, GNA - Dr (Mrs) Alice Attah, member of the Central Regional branch of the Ghana Veterinary Medical Association (GVMM), on Thursday, regretted that, some policy makers and many Ghanaians, did not give "enough recognition" to the importance of animal diseases or appreciated veterinary involvement in food safety and security.

She pointed out that veterinarians "were key players in research, food safety, zoonotic disease, animal health and environmental issues", and had in the past, successfully controlled "devastating animal diseases" such as Newcastle and rinderpest.

Dr Attah was speaking at the Regional World Veterinary Day celebration and bird flu awareness creation, at Elmina, under the theme "Celebrate Our Diversity, The Bird Flu Scare". She, therefore, re-assured Ghanaians that veterinary officers in the country were "battle ready" to contain the bird flu, if the disease was detected in the country. She then stressed their role in precautionary measures against the bird flu, adding that, this should be an "awakening call" about the importance of the profession and its positive contribution to the safety and well being of society.

She also re-assured Ghanaians that with the monitoring and surveillance methods put in place by the government and the various taskforces, coupled with the ban on the importation of chicken and poultry products from countries, where the disease had surfaced, it would easily be contained, if it broke out in the country.

Dr Attah was however unhappy that the veterinary services had not been able to control rabbies, which she attributed to the large numbers of stray dogs, and the inability of authorities to enforce by-laws against stray dogs, and the fact that most dog owners failed to have their pets vaccinated.

Dr Augustus Ayitey, Regional Veterinary Officer, repeated calls on the public not to shun poultry products in the country, but warned that such products should be well cooked before consumption. He also repeated appeals to the public, especially poultry farmers to be wary of migratory birds, take good care of their farms and to report the death of any bird to the appropriate authorities. Dr Ayitey further called on the media to help enhance awareness and to be circumspect in their reportage on the disease, so as not to scare the public.

Dr Yaw Ofori-Yeboah, District Director of Health Services called on all stakeholders to join in the educational campaign on the disease, and not to leave it solely for the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. He cautioned the public that the disease was contagious and had no cure and also urged the public, particularly poultry farmers to be vigilant and to report the deaths of all birds to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. 12 May, 06

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