By Sheriff Iddrisu
Reports from Tema indicate that 300 poultry have been destroyed, as a result of the Avian flu outbreak in the Tema Metropolis.
Speaking to Journalists, the Tema Metro Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Emmanuel Pecku said a farm reported the outbreak from Tema Community 11. From the farm, 50 birds died naturally, and the Veterinary Services Department destroyed 250 birds.
In all, 300 birds have so far been lost to the outbreak. Dr. Pecku explained that the destruction of the remaining birds on the affected farm was necessary to prevent the spread of the flu to other farms.
”Because of its zoonotic nature, bird flu can affect human beings, including farmhands and all those who come into contact with infected birds.
Hence, the Assembly and the Veterinary Service will focus on containing and stamping out the disease.”
Dr. Pecku announced, ”no human infections have been recorded.”
For his part, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Yohane Nii Amarh Ashitey, said the Assembly has put in measures to contain the spread of the disease.
He assured the public that effective surveillance and Diseases Control Management of the Tema Metro Veterinary Service Team have put in place measures to prevent the diseases with less significant economic impact on affected poultry farms in the Tema Metropolis.