Bird flu: Ghana bans poultry from Burkina Faso

Ghana’s Veterinary Services have banned importation of poultry and poultry products from northern neighbour Burkina Faso.

The fiat follows an outbreak of the deadly bird flu in the French-speaking country.

Veterinary officers have increased their surveillance activities in the Volta, Upper East and Upper West regions to prevent a possible outbreak in Ghana.


A statement issued by the Service and signed by the Ag Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Ben Aniwa, said the most recent one was reported to have occurred in March in Burkina Faso, where a standstill order and other necessary measures have been initiated since 1st April, 2015.

The Service said while it does not intend to create panic in the country with the health alert, it was reminding the general public of the following:

“Total Ban of importation of poultry and poultry products from Burkina Faso.

“The general public is to quickly report any unusual deaths in domestic as well as wild birds to the nearest veterinary office. Dead birds should never be handled with bare hands.

“All poultry meat as well as eggs should be well cooked before consumption.

“Any internal movement of poultry and poultry products must undergo Veterinary inspection and, covered with movement permit.”