Ministry Reports Suspected Avian Flu in SNNPs
The Ethiopian Herald (Addis Ababa)
NEWS
March 2, 2006 </B>
Posted to the web March 2, 2006
By WIC
Addis Ababa
Signs of avian flu have been observed in Endibir woreda of SNNP state, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development disclosed.
Information and Public Relations Bureau head with the Ministry, Mulugeta Debalkew, told WIC Monday that the bird flu resembling disease was observed in Gubere Poultry Centre in the woreda and the laboratory test carried out locally has indicated the existence of a bird flu like disease.
Preparations were under way to send samples to Halian-based veterinary Laboratory to verify the existence of the disease, Mulugeta said, adding that preventive measures were being taken to contain the disease from spreading to other areas.
He noted an embargo is put on chicken and poultry products effective Monday within the radius of 60-kms of Gubere locality and its environs where the sign of the disease is evident.
Ministry Veterinary Department Head Dr. Sileshi Zewde said on his part that 6,082 chickens were reported dead at the Gubere Poultry Centre and the diagnosis carried out on 49 chickens has confirmed that they died from a bird flu like disease.
He said the chicken remaining in the poultry centre would be burnt as of last Tuesday and precautionary measures would be taken in other poultry farms in the country.
Dr. Sileshi, however, said that people living in areas outside the localities affected with the avian flu like disease can cook and eat chicken as well as eggs.
The head also added that the ministry has been making the necessary preparations all over the country since the avian flu has been reported in other countries and he advised the public not to be scared but heed to information transmitted by professionals through the mass media.
The Ethiopian Herald (Addis Ababa)
NEWS
March 2, 2006 </B>
Posted to the web March 2, 2006
By WIC
Addis Ababa
Signs of avian flu have been observed in Endibir woreda of SNNP state, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development disclosed.
Information and Public Relations Bureau head with the Ministry, Mulugeta Debalkew, told WIC Monday that the bird flu resembling disease was observed in Gubere Poultry Centre in the woreda and the laboratory test carried out locally has indicated the existence of a bird flu like disease.
Preparations were under way to send samples to Halian-based veterinary Laboratory to verify the existence of the disease, Mulugeta said, adding that preventive measures were being taken to contain the disease from spreading to other areas.
He noted an embargo is put on chicken and poultry products effective Monday within the radius of 60-kms of Gubere locality and its environs where the sign of the disease is evident.
Ministry Veterinary Department Head Dr. Sileshi Zewde said on his part that 6,082 chickens were reported dead at the Gubere Poultry Centre and the diagnosis carried out on 49 chickens has confirmed that they died from a bird flu like disease.
He said the chicken remaining in the poultry centre would be burnt as of last Tuesday and precautionary measures would be taken in other poultry farms in the country.
Dr. Sileshi, however, said that people living in areas outside the localities affected with the avian flu like disease can cook and eat chicken as well as eggs.
The head also added that the ministry has been making the necessary preparations all over the country since the avian flu has been reported in other countries and he advised the public not to be scared but heed to information transmitted by professionals through the mass media.
