Poultry Association decries ban on sale of live birds

Oppong Adjei, President of the Poultry Association of Ghana, has described as a threat to the industry’s survival, a decision by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to place a ban on the sale of live birds

The Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has temporarily banned the sale and movement of live birds within the capital Accra to prevent further outbreaks of Bird flu also known as Avian Influenza.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture on June 10 announced the confirmation of bird flu in Ghana after test samples taken to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Laboratory in Padova, Italy, proved positive.

A statement signed by the acting Director of the Veterinary Services Department, Dr Ben Aniwa, said, “The general public and, especially cockerel and pullet vendors, are advised to cease the practice until further notice as their movement from place-to-place poses a threat to both humans and birds.”

But Mr Oppong Adjei indicated on Anopa Kasapa that the ban will have dire consequences on their business across-board.

“This will affect us in so many ways and we fear this might collapse the industry,” he said.