Keta: Veterinary officers in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region have destroyed over 500 affected chickens in a poultry farm at Abor to prevent the spread of avian influenza in the area.
According to Ghana News Agency, the officers took this action to protect poultry farmers and prevent the affected birds from being sold in public markets, thus mitigating further spread of the disease. Mr. Bernard Lawer, the Keta Municipal Veterinary Officer, explained that the avian influenza was identified when a sample from the farm was confirmed to be affected by the disease after a laboratory test.
He further revealed that investigations indicated the disease likely spread from Togo to Akatsi South municipality before reaching Abor. The officers have since killed and buried over 500 chickens at the affected farm, following directives to curb the spread of the disease, and no further cases have been identified in the municipality since this action.
Avian influenza is a viral infection affecting both domestic poultry and wild birds. Mr. Lawer emphasized the importance of biosecurity measures in preventing the introduction and spread of the disease in poultry farms. He outlined that the control measures for the virus include biosecurity strategies, early reporting of suspected outbreaks, and the use of antigenically matched vaccines.
Mr. Lawer also cautioned that certain strains of avian influenza can infect humans, especially those with direct contact with infected birds. He recommended that farmers practice biosecurity and hygiene measures and suggested cutting trees close to poultry farms to prevent infected birds from spreading the virus.
A comprehensive situational report will be sent to the regional and national veterinary headquarters for compensation procedures for the affected farmer. Early detection of the viral genome or specific antibodies is crucial for diagnosis, while antiviral drugs are not recommended for treatment.
Additionally, Mr. Lawer mentioned that Africa swine fever was also detected at a pig farm in Abor but was quickly controlled due to early reporting and detection. Educational efforts are ongoing to encourage the public and district farmers' association members to report any disease outbreaks promptly to prevent economic losses.
