About seventy regional and district directors of the Veterinary Service Department from Ashanti, Eastern and Brong Ahafo regions have been trained on the deadly and highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), H5N1, in Kumasi.
The workshop, according to the National Epidemiologist of the Vertinary Service, Dr. Paul Polkuu, would strengthen and broaden the knowledge of veterinary officers on how they can effectively manage and get rid of the deadly disease in the country.
He revealed that the country has within four months recorded 24 cases of the deadly bird flu disease in the Greater Accra, Volta and Ashanti regions.
Ghana detected and confirmed the Bird flu (H5N1) from May this year in Accra, and has since affected 21 farms in the Greater Accra, two in the Volta region and a single case in the Ashanti region.
Speaking with GARDJA,Dr. Polkuu said the V.S.D is working around the clock to ensure that the disease is completely eradicated from the country.
He urged poultry farmers to report suspected any cases especially sudden and unexpected death of birds immediately to the veterinary officers.
He disclosed that government has approved the release of GH₵11 million to fight the disease. He explained that GH₵3 million would be used to pay compensation to affected farms.
Meanwhile government has already released one million Ghana cedis to purchase 5 vehicles for farm monitoring.
He called for collective support to help prevent the spread of the disease and also charged poultry farmers not hide any suspected cases from the monitoring team.
Story by Ernest Kwaw Essuman
