Bird Flu in Togo- Authorities

Aflao, June 22, GNA-Togolese authorities have announced the detection of the Avian Flu on a number of farms at Aneho, near the border with Benin.

Togolese national radio monitored by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Aflao, which made the announcement asked citizens to remain calm. It said the verification was being sought from research institutions in Ghana and Italy. The announcement said all poultry and poultry products from the affected area were barred from the rest of the country while the country awaits verification results.

Sources at the Togolese Veterinary Department said no poultry or poultry products were being allowed in or out of the country. Meanwhile the Ketu District Bird Flu Task force is continuing the destruction of all poultry within 200 metres of the farm where the disease was detected at Aflao. Mr Geoffrey Agbleze, District Agricultural officer said he was yet to be updated on the number of birds destroyed and those seized from travellers coming in and out of the country across the borders in the area.

A total of 1,100 birds on a farm at the Rainbow area, near the market in Aflao were destroyed last Tuesday following the detection of the disease on the farm.