KETA ; VETERINARY OFFICERS DESTROY HUNDREDS OF BIRDS TO CURB AVIAN INFLUENZA

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                  Over 500 Sick Birds Destroyed in Keta to Stop the Spread of Dangerous Bird Disease

Veterinary officers in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region have destroyed more than 500 chickens that were found to have a dangerous bird disease called Avian Influenza, also known as Bird Flu.

The action took place at a poultry farm in Abor, a town in the Keta area, after tests showed that the birds were infected. The officers explained that they had to act quickly to stop the disease from spreading to other birds and possibly even to humans.

The affected chickens were carefully collected and put into large black bags by workers wearing special white protective suits. These suits helped keep the workers safe from getting infected while they handled the sick birds.

According to Mr. Bernard Lawer, the Keta Municipal Veterinary Officer, the decision to destroy the birds was very important to protect the lives of both animals and people.

“We are doing this to protect our poultry farmers and the general public. If we don’t act now, the disease could spread to other farms and even to markets where people buy their chicken,” Mr. Lawer said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA).

What is Avian Influenza?

Avian Influenza, or Bird Flu, is a serious disease that affects birds like chickens, ducks, and turkeys. It spreads very quickly and can kill large numbers of birds in a short time. In some rare cases, the disease can even infect humans, especially those who are in close contact with sick birds.

Bird Flu can be spread through bird droppings, feathers, or even through the air in places where birds are kept close together. That is why the veterinary team acted fast when they found out the birds were sick.

Why the Birds Had to Be Destroyed

Even though it is sad, the officers had to kill and properly dispose of all the infected birds to stop the disease from reaching other areas. If the birds were left alive or sold in the market, many more birds—and possibly people—could get sick.

“Sometimes, people may want to sell sick birds in secret to avoid losing money, but this only makes things worse. We must all work together to keep everyone safe,” Mr. Lawer explained.

After destroying the birds, the veterinary team also cleaned and disinfected the entire farm area to kill any germs that might still be there. They sprayed chemicals that kill viruses and reminded farm workers not to enter the farm until it is completely safe.

Advice to Poultry Farmers

Mr. Lawer and his team also gave some advice to other poultry farmers in the area:

Watch your birds closely: If any chicken shows signs like coughing, sudden death, or not eating, report it immediately.

Don’t hide sick birds: Hiding the problem only makes it worse for everyone.

Clean your farm often: Disinfect coops, equipment, and your hands and boots before and after feeding your birds.

Avoid bringing in new birds without checking them first for sickness.

He added that the government is working hard to support farmers and ensure that they do not suffer too much loss. Plans are also in place to monitor nearby farms to make sure the disease has not spread.

Community Reactions

Some poultry farmers in Abor said they were shocked by the outbreak. Mr. Selorm Kwaku, who owns a nearby chicken farm, said he was worried but thankful for the quick action of the veterinary team.

“I would have lost everything if the disease spread to my farm. I feel sad for the farmer who lost all those birds, but I now understand why it had to be done,” he said.

The general public has also been advised to buy chicken only from clean and trusted sources. People are reminded to always cook their chicken and eggs very well before eating to stay safe.

The veterinary officers say they will continue to visit farms in the area to make sure the disease does not return.

This serious but necessary action in Keta is a reminder to everyone about how important it is to act fast and follow safety rules when animals get sick. Working together, the community, farmers, and officers hope to stop the bird flu and protect everyone’s health and livelihood.