The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has confirmed the detection of the Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the New Dormaa suburb of Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region.

The farm is located at Asuokwa.

A statement issued by the ministry said all necessary steps have been taken to contain the disease in the area, including the destruction of all birds on the farm. The farm has been disinfected and quarantined.

The ministry said it has also intensified the surveillance of farms in the Sunyani District and urged the public to report any unusual deaths of birds to the nearest Agricultural office.

“Do not to touch dead birds with their bare hands. Wear a polythene bag on your hand, pick up the dead bird, put it into another polythene bag and send it immediately to the nearest Veterinary or Agricultural office;

“Remember that the greatest risk of exposure to the virus is through slaughter and handling of infected birds”, the statement urged.

The statement advised poultry farmers to strengthen bio-security on their farms.

The Ministry further reminded the general public that the ban on the importation of poultry and poultry products including feathers from infected countries including Nigeria, Burkina Faso, La Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Niger, and Cameroon among others is still in force.

The Ministry assured the general public that it was doing everything to prevent the spread of the disease and enjoined the public to enjoy their chicken.