Nathaniel Nartey
The Poultry farm on which the outbreak of bird flu was detected in Tema has been closed down. According to the Tema Metro Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Emmanuel Pecku, the poultry farm located at Tema Community 11 has been disinfected and will remain closed for at least 12 weeks. This was after the Veterinary Services killed about 250 birds following the death of 50 birds on the farm after the outbreak.
In an interview with GBC News, Dr. Pecku said the outbreak has been contained. He said the Veterinary Services is embarking on surveillance to stamp out any affected bird in other poultry farms.
”As I speak to you there is no bird on the farm, the place has been disinfected and the farmer will not be allowed to re-stock for a period of time and hopefully after 12 weeks the farmer can restock her farm if she wants…..there is no cause for alarm, there is no fear, no panic”.
Dr. Pecku said early reporting of suspected cases of bird flu is crucial. He advised poultry farmers not to handle dead birds with their bare hands.
”Early reporting is very critical and we want to tell the public that in vase farmers hear of birds dying quickly alert the Veterinary Services and we encourage people not to handle dead birds without safety clothing”, according to the Metro Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Emmanuel Pecku.