Resource Mobilization

Controlling highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in Ghana

Livestock and poultry-keeping are crucial to the farming and livelihood systems of Ghana. In May 2015, outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) threatened these systems and made it essential that measures be put in place to forestall losses caused by the disease in the affected areas and elsewhere. The project was designed to control the disease in Ghana and, above all, to prevent its spread to non-affected regions of the country and to neighbouringcountries, by means of an immediate response.

What did the project do

The project enhanced the capacity for HPAI disease surveillance by providing training in HPAI disease investigation techniques, data management and reporting to female and male professionals and para-professionals of the Veterinary Services Directorate. Egg sellers (females) and live bird market operators (both females and males) were exposed to elementary procedures in the recognition of birds suspected of being affected by HPAI. Key diagnostic reagents and equipment were provided to Kumasi and Accra veterinary laboratories, while the technical staff of these laboratories received training in HPAI diagnosis, permitting a rapid response to HPAI outbreaks.

Impact

Improved diagnostic capacity for HPAI at field and laboratory levels was one of the mot significant achievements of the project. The reduction in the number of HPAI outbreaks, after reaching a peak in October 2016, is a testimony to the success of the sustained awareness campaigns, risk communication, behaviour change and HPAI disease recognition achieved by the project. The laboratory staff members trained during the project are now capable of providing training to prepare trainers in other laboratories, while the trained epidemiologists of the Veterinary Services Directorate are available to provide expertise in future outbreaks of the disease.

Activities

  • Stakeholders in poultry value chain sensitized to counter-epizootic measures to control HPAI.
  • Field surveillance and laboratory diagnostic techniques taught to laboratory staff.
  • Biosecurity protocols taught to egg sellers, live bird market operators and poultry producers.
  • Field and laboratory supplies procured for veterinary laboratories.
  • Training held in biosecurity, HPAI disease recognition and outbreak investigations
  • Communications workshops on avian influenza dissemination and behaviourchange integrated into those on disease recognition and biosecurity protocols.
  • Participation in stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, on HPAI disease recognition, prevention and control in the sub-region.
Project symbol: TCP/GHA/3505
Project title: Emergency Assistance to Control H5N1 Outbreaks and Mitigate Risks for Virus Spread
Contact: FAO Office in Ghana
Email: [email protected]
Download PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/a-bs919e.pdf