Veterinary Services Educate Journalists On Avian Influenza Disease

The Director of Veterinary Services in the Western Region, Dr. Simeon Gbene is encouraging the public to heed media education on highly pathogenic Avian Influenza disease.

Avian influenza is a disease of viral etiology that ranges from a mild or even asymptomatic infection to an acute, fatal disease.

Dr Gbene made this call during an engagement with the media in Takoradi, saying the disease is spread both locally and internationally, a higher risk to the poultry industry.

He says, currently the region has no records of the Avian influenza.

He allayed the fears of the public that poultry in the metropolis is safe and advised safety protocols such as minimizing direct contact by wearing gloves and washing hands with soap and water after touching birds, and others.

Most patients infected with the H5N1 virus show initial symptoms of fever (38 C or higher), followed by influenza-like respiratory symptoms, including cough, rhinorrhea, sore throat, and (less frequently) shortness of breath.

Watery diarrhea is often present in the early stages of illness and may precede respiratory symptoms by up to one week.

–Veterinary