The Agric Minister, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, has announced plans by the Ministry to recruit 1,100 veterinary officers to combat the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), otherwise known as Bird Flu.

He made this known when he appeared before Parliament on Thursday, November 11.

Dr Akoto admitted that the containment of the disease was challenging due to limited budgetary allocations and inadequate professionals in the Ministry.

He was hopeful that the recruitment of veterinary officers will boost government’s action against the spread of the disease.

“Cabinet has approved a proposal by the Ministry to recruit 1,100 veterinary officers through a phased approach within three years. In the year 2021/2022, the approval provides for the recruitment of 550 various categories of veterinary professionals, representing half of the total number to augment the existing staff strength of the veterinary services directorate,” he disclosed.

The Minister also mentioned that it had secured approval for emergency funds to undertake some activities, including compensation of affected farmers.

“The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has also secured cabinet approval for emergency funds totalling GH¢43,984,017.70 to cover the following; compensation of affected farmers, procurement of vehicle and motorbikes, logistics, laboratory equipment, training of staff, stakeholders sensitisation sessions across the country, and other operational activities,” he said on the floor of Parliament.

At least 341,000 birds have been destroyed because of the disease.

The Minister further mentioned that cases of the disease have so far been recorded in nine regions.

“Mr Speaker, the latest reports on the bird flu indicated that nine regions of the country have been affected as of October 31. This has increased the total number of birds destroyed to 341,606.”

Despite this, he assured that “the Ministry is working around the clock to contain the spread of the bird flu in the country and mitigate the effect of the disease on the poultry industry.”