Tuesday 16 June 2015

Bird Flu Situation in Ghana, a Caution to farmers under SavaNet

REPUBLIC OF GHANA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
P O BOX MB-44
ACCRA
12th June, 2015
PRESS RELEASE ​ IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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BIRD FLU SITUATION IN GHANA

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Since the year 2003, when outbreaks of the bird flu diseases (Avian influenza) were reported in South-East Asia, Ghana has continued to monitor the global situation. In Ghana, intensive efforts have been put into the surveillance of the disease and a national response was prepared.

There have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza in other African countries Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger and Ivory Coast within the past two months. For the past one month, there has been an increase in the mortality of birds particularly in Greater Accra region.

On 12th May this year, the Veterinary Services Directorate laboratory diagnosed Influenza Type A in a dead bird which was further confirmed in Noguchi as H5N1. Following these preliminary results a number of interventions have been instituted by the Veterinary Service Directorate and the Ministry of Health in anticipation of the final results.
A further confirmatory result as Influenza type A H5N1 was later received from the International Reference laboratory in Italy. Thus Ghana is declared as having a Bird Flu Outbreak. It is important to note that the current bird flu threat to humans remains very low. However, screening of the people on the affected farm is being conducted as a precaution. All poultry farmers have been alerted to increase their levels of biosecurity and to ensure that people do not unnecessarily enter their farms.

The National Technical Coordinating Committee (NTCC) will continue to organize more education and publicity programmes so the public remains well informed about prevention   measures to keep bird flu disease out of their farms and homes.

The public should remain calm. The situation is being technically and expertly handled by the NTCC. At this stage, the public is assured that it is still quite safe to eat chicken and want to reiterate the following messages:

1. Do not touch or handle any sick or dead birds with your bare hands.
2. Report the death of any bird to the nearest local veterinary or agricultural officer. In case you touch any birds wash your hands immediately and thoroughly with soap and water.
3. Do not dress or eat any sick or dead birds.
4. Cook poultry products (chicken, turkey, duck, eggs, etc.) properly (above 70 oC) before eating as is the cultural norm in Ghana.
What are the signs of bird flu in birds? 
Birds show the following signs when affected by bird flu:
• Sudden and unexplained deaths in large numbers
• Ruffled feathers (rough and stiff looking feathers)
• Saliva pouring out of the mouth of the bird in an unusual way
• Watery droppings (feces) that makes the tail wet
• Opening beak (mouth) and closed eyes
• Very dull, droopy wings, weak and cannot eat.
• Stop feeding and if they are layers, sudden drop in egg production
• Deformed, soft shelled eggs are laid by these birds.
Remember that poultry is still safe for consumption. Cook your meat and eggs very well (above 70 oC) before eating. If you find any sick or dead birds you can contact your local vet or agricultural officer. For further information please contact the Director of Veterinary Services/ Head of Public Health (VSD) on 0244289782 or Director of Public Health (GHS), 0244417911.

Thursday 14 May 2015

Savannah Farmers gets ready for the 2015/2016 farming season

As farmers across the Savannah Ecological belt of Ghana gets ready for the 2015/2016 farming season, the Savannah Young Farmers Network (SavaNet) welcomes all farmers back to the field. SavaNet is committed to working with you to make your investment in the season profitable.

A prepared field for the 2015/2016
farming season.
To support farmers this season, the Government of Ghana has launched the 2015 fertilizer and seed subsidy programme effective 1st April, 2015. The government has targeted to subsidize 180,000MT of granular fertilizer at a cost of GH 87,600.000 million and 4,000 MT of certified seeds at the cost of GH 3,000,000 million.

Farmers should note that, with effect from 1st April, 2015, all types of compound fertilizer are to be sold at GH 89 per 50kg bag and GH 84 per 50 kg bag for Urea. The Savannah Young Farmers Network (SavaNet) will work closely with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to facilitate improved access to subsidized fertilizer and certified seeds to farmers under SavaNet. We will also support all our organic farmers to employ innovative farming practices for improved productivity. SavaNet wishes all farmers a successful farming season.

Tuesday 14 April 2015

Buy Quality Produced and Processed Ghana Rice

Buy Quality Produced and Processed Ghana Rice. Packaging is designed to meet the quality of our Rice. Purchasing Ghana Rice will empower Ghanaian Young Farmers to actively engage in Farming as a sustainable livelihood.
                         
Bagged Paddy Rice.
Parboiled Ghana Rice.

Monday 13 April 2015

The Launch of SavaNet's Website

SavaNet's upgraded website with its social media platforms can be reached at www.savanet.org. You are invited to share your views on youth in Agriculture Development in Africa.