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The government is set to fly samples taken from birds suspected to
have been infected with influenza to Italy in a bid to get conclusive
lab results of the viral infestation.
Initial testing done by the Noguchi Memorial Centre for Scientific
Research confirmed the H5N1 virus infestation in 5 out of 6 bird
samples taken from a poultry farmin Achimota and Tema.
But speaking to Joy News Head of Public Health at the Veterinary
Services, Dr Bashiru Boi Kikimoto says his outfit will still need
further testing in Italy.
"That result from Noguchi, we cannot send to [the Minister for Food
and Agriculture] to announce the presence of the disease in the
country because the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) and the
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have a reference laboratory in
Dova in Italy. It is only that result, when it comes, then our
Minister can now go on air and say we have avian influenza", Dr
Kikimoto said.
The OIE is the inter governmental organisation responsible for
improving animal health worldwide.
It is recognised as a reference organisation by the World Trade
Organization (WTO). Already, there are moves to avert a transmission
of the deadly virus to the public.
Farmers who handled the sick birds in Accra and Tema have already been
tested. Dr Kikimoto, however, asked the public to be cautious."If any
bird dies on the farm, they [the public] should take it as a suspected
case and bring it for veterinary testing", he advised.
Meanwhile, a National Technical Committee has been activated to
contain the outbreak of the bird flu and will comprise officials
fromthe Ministry of Health, leaders in the poultry industry and
officials from the National Disaster Mangement Organisation (NADMO).
Government has therefore advised farmers to watch out for sick birds
on their farms.
Symptoms of infected birds include ruffled feathers, soft-shelled
eggs, depression and droopiness, sudden drop in egg production, sudden
death and nasal discharges.
The virus for now is from bird to bird but will pose danger to humans
if careless handling of infected birds transmits the deadly disease.
Credit: Myjoyonline.com
