Veterinary service activates disease surveillance

The Ashanti Region Veterinary Services Department of the Food and Agriculture Ministry says it has activated its surveillance on the African swine fever disease to block any outbreak.

Dr. Albert Kwansah-Filson, the Regional Veterinary Officer, said public education was also being stepped up and urged farmers to strengthen bio-security measures on farms.

They should report any sign of the disease to the appropriate authorities to prevent the spread.

Dr. Kwansah-Filson was speaking at a meeting with the leadership of the regional pig farmers and processors association (PFPA) in Kumasi.

He said they would resort to a raft of measures including destroying infected and exposed livestock, strict quarantine and animal movement control, decontamination of infected premises and zoning to define infected and disease-free areas, to contain it in the event of an outbreak.

He expressed the determination of the veterinary service to go to every length to protect the livestock industry and help farmers to increase production.

Mr. Kwaku Minkah Fordjour, the Regional Director encouraged farmers to heed technical advice by veterinary officers and extension agents, saying that, it was the path to travel to boost meat and food production.

Mr. Kwame Dei Ampofo, Regional Chairman of the PFPA, called for enforcement of bye-laws on animal rearing by the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, saying that the nuisance of free range animals needs to end.