Bird flu task force arrests four

Four persons have been arrested for violating a ban on the trade and movement of birds in the Tema metropolis.

The ban was imposed last week when the first case of bird flu was detected.

According to the Deputy Director of Veterinary Services in charge of Greater Accra, Dr. Francis Peterson, who led the police to effect the arrests, the four persons including two women had dressed some birds for sale much against the prohibition order.

He said the task force in collaboration with the police has embarked on an exercise to search vehicles to and from Tema to ensure that the disease is contained in the areas identified so far.

The task force said some farmers are believed to be hiding some of their birds in a bid to prevent their destruction.

Dr. Peterson warned that those arrested for engaging in such acts will have their products confiscated and no compensation paid to them.