Poultry Disease Attacks Birds In Dormaa

The Dormaa Central Municipal Veterinary Officer, Dr Yaw Gyekye, on Tuesday confirmed an outbreak of a viral disease among a number of poultry birds in Dormaa-Ahenkro.

“What we know for now is that it’s a viral disease but we don’t really know the name of this disease,” he added.

Dr Gyekye indicated that his outfit has taken samples and subsequently reported the case to the Brong-Ahafo Regional Office of the Veterinary Services Department who will intend relay information to the national office in Accra to carry out proper investigations to ascertain or identify the actual cause of the disease.

He was speaking in an interview with Ghana News Agency in Dormaa-Ahenkro.

He said the disease was officially confirmed last October by rumours which went round when they followed up to undertake visits to eight to 10 poultry farm sites which have reported the disease.

Dr Gyekye expressed concern about the attitude of some workers who took along carcasses of these birds to their homes, stressing they have alerted the environmental health officers to take appropriate action on this behaviour.

He appealed to farmers and workers to take precautionary measures to avoid contamination of the diseases by regulating farm to farm trade and between customers and farmers.

The veterinary officer appealed for logistical support to enable his outfit to perform their duties effectively and efficiently in the area.

He further said they were embarking on sensitisation and education of poultry farmers and workers on how the disease could be contained.

Dei Kusi, Vice President of the Dormaa Poultry Farmers Association, said, “We are working in collaboration with the Veterinary Services Department and have embarked on spraying exercises for affected farms in the area.”

He said they were still working to collect the specific number of birds affected in the area.

Mr Kusi appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, organisations, individuals and relevant stakeholders for support.

GNA