Viral disease attack poultry birds in Dormaa Ahenkro

The Dormaa Central Municipal Veterinary Officer, 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.

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

Dr. Gyekye was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Dormaa Ahenkro.

He said the disease was officially confirmed last October by rumours which went round, 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 carcass of these birds to their homes stressing they have alerted the Environment 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.

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

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

Mr Dei Kusi, the Vice President of the Dormaa Poultry Farmers Association, said they have taken delivery of disinfectants from the Ghana Poultry Project (GPP) to help deal with the case.

"We are working in collaboration with the Veterinary Services Department and have embarked on spraying exercises for affected farms in the area", he stated.

He said a sizeable number of poultry birds have been affected but were still working to collect the specific number of birds affected in the area.

The Vice President appealed to the Ministry Of Food and Agriculture, organisations, individuals and relevant stakeholders for support.