Livestock farmers express concern about stigma attached to pork in swine flu

Accra, May 4, GNA - The Central Region Livestock Farmers Association (CERLFA) on Monday expressed concern about the stigma attached to pigs and pork products in the outbreak of the swine flu. In a statement signed by Mr Samuel Kofi Yankson, Chairman, it said in order to attach importance to the livestock industry and the rearing of pigs, the association had resolved that all stray animals including pigs must be confined with immediate effect.

It said indiscriminate slaughtering of animals, including pigs without health inspectors' approval of a veterinary officer must be stopped and the movement of animals without waybill was prohibited. The statement said the association was in dialogue with the government to assist potential partners to promote livestock production in Ghana.

The government has charged the Ministry of Health and its agencies to put in place systems for prompt and appropriate management of all swine flu cases, while all regional hospitals established isolation wards for management of swine flu cases. It advised the general public to observe simple precautions such as washing of hands with soap immediately after handling pigs, report symptoms of fever, cough and breathing difficulties after one had handled sick and dying pigs immediately to health facilities for medical attention. It also advised that pork be well cooked, (at least above 70 degree Celsius) to ensure that they were safe for eating.