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Source: http://www.news.sl/drwebsite/publish...00510692.shtml
MOHS Sensitizes Poultry Farmers on Bird Flu in Sierra Leone
By Vidal Boltman
Dec 17, 2008, 17:16
The Health Division of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) in collaboration with National Avian Influenza Secretariat and Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security on Saturday 14th December 2008 concluded a sensitization meeting for poultry owners farmers, workers and dealers in poultry products in the western area at the Centre of Gender Empowerment Movement, John Street in Freetown.
Addressing participants, Programme Manager Sahr Hemoh of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation said avian influenza or bird flu is becoming a major threat to Sierra Leone because of the disease?s prevalence in neighboring countries. Though he said the flu infection has not yet entered into the country, it is but necessary to start awareness raising among farmers and consumers. He disclosed that similar messages had earlier been taken the province.
Director of Avian Secretariat, Dr. Amadu Tejan Jalloh said the disease is a viral infection that normally affects birds. It is highly contagious and when contracted can easily kill domesticated birds.
He said it was previously thought that bird flu does no usually affect humans, but said the concept changed in 1997 in Thailand, Asia when it was proved beyond reasonable doubt that the disease is now affecting humans.
Dr. Mohamed L Barrie of MAFFS said some of the early symptoms include high fever and general weakness.
Mr. Lansana Conteh of Health said the highest avian influenza outbreak African is in Egypt with a total of 50 cases and 22 deaths.
He stated that even though the virus has not yet been discovered in Sierra Leone, it is important for the ministry to start sensitizing the populace on the dangers of the flu to both humans and birds. He said the disease is caused by H5 N1 virus, and its mode of transmission is from bird to bird, and bird to humans, but that human to human has not yet been established.
MOHS Sensitizes Poultry Farmers on Bird Flu in Sierra Leone
By Vidal Boltman
Dec 17, 2008, 17:16
The Health Division of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) in collaboration with National Avian Influenza Secretariat and Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security on Saturday 14th December 2008 concluded a sensitization meeting for poultry owners farmers, workers and dealers in poultry products in the western area at the Centre of Gender Empowerment Movement, John Street in Freetown.
Addressing participants, Programme Manager Sahr Hemoh of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation said avian influenza or bird flu is becoming a major threat to Sierra Leone because of the disease?s prevalence in neighboring countries. Though he said the flu infection has not yet entered into the country, it is but necessary to start awareness raising among farmers and consumers. He disclosed that similar messages had earlier been taken the province.
Director of Avian Secretariat, Dr. Amadu Tejan Jalloh said the disease is a viral infection that normally affects birds. It is highly contagious and when contracted can easily kill domesticated birds.
He said it was previously thought that bird flu does no usually affect humans, but said the concept changed in 1997 in Thailand, Asia when it was proved beyond reasonable doubt that the disease is now affecting humans.
Dr. Mohamed L Barrie of MAFFS said some of the early symptoms include high fever and general weakness.
Mr. Lansana Conteh of Health said the highest avian influenza outbreak African is in Egypt with a total of 50 cases and 22 deaths.
He stated that even though the virus has not yet been discovered in Sierra Leone, it is important for the ministry to start sensitizing the populace on the dangers of the flu to both humans and birds. He said the disease is caused by H5 N1 virus, and its mode of transmission is from bird to bird, and bird to humans, but that human to human has not yet been established.