Another Bird Flu Outbreak Hits Tema

Health authorities in the Tema Metropolis have confirmed the outbreak of birdflu in the area. At least 24,000 birds are being examined this afternoon in the latest outbreak of the influenza. A containment plan is being considered by the authorities.
Head of Public Health at the Veterinary Services, Dr Bashiru Boi Kikimoto is leading the team.
“We have reported to the world health organisation of the presence of bird flu in Ghana,” he said, adding the “focal points of outbreak at the various farms have increased.”
The flu was confirmed in May this year with Achimota and Tema said to be the worst hit with birds from those two areas quarantined.
The Deputy Agric Minister Dr. Hanna Bissew asked the farmers not to sell the affected birds as part of measures to contain the epidemic. Boi Kikimoto said the authorities are busily fighting the latest outbreak.
“We are fighting the outbreak. That is why you are hearing the latest outbreak in Tema. It is just one of the focal points of the outbreak,” He said the authorities in the district where the outbreak was recorded are busy trying to contain the situation.
At least two farms have been affected in the latest outbreak amidst fears of a possible spread. The farmers say they will collaborate with the veterinary services to help the public identify infected birds.
“We are in the market and we know exactly when a bird has bird flu. We will help the vertinary officers to fight the canker.
They alone cannot go round the farms. There is no farm in Ghana we don’t know. Not even the backyard farms. The farmers too are our friends so when the farmers have a problem we communicate with them,” he explained.
He added they will liaise with the authorities to fight the latest outbreak.