The recent outbreaks of the Avian Influenza (bird flu) in certain parts of the country have compelled the Veterinary Department of the Lower Manya district to embark on a sensitization action plan in the Lower Manya district.
The step as noted by Dr. Asiedu Baah, a Veterinary officer from Lower Manya was to get poultry farmers in particular to be on the alert against identifying early symptoms of the disease and averting its spread.
He told Rite news that the Avian Influenza, a viral disease which has gained the notoriety of attacking birds such as geese, guinea fowls, turkeys, and chicken, has a 100% mortality rate, meaning that all infected birds end up dead.
Throwing more light on some symptoms of the disease, Mr. Asiedu Baah pointed out that the disease is characterized by bloody chunks in the thighs of the birds, inability of the bird to feed, changes in the colour of the combs and wattle, swollen eyes and faces and twisting of the necks in backwards direction.
As part of their sensitization visit to Rite FM, the veterinary officers charged poultry farmers in particular and the general public in general to be on the lookout for the above symptoms and report to the appropriate quarters for prompt action which includes sending the samples to the central laboratory for confirmation or otherwise of the disease.
As part of further steps towards the sensitization, Mr. Baah further explained that, the veterinary officers would hold an awareness creation meeting for stakeholders including Poultry Farmers Association, Police and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, GPRTU with the aim to sensitize them on steps towards identifying early symptoms of the disease and averting its spread.
source: ritefmonline.org
