Bogoso (W/R), May 26, GNA - Dr Christopher Tagoe, acting Wassa West District Director of Agriculture has reiterated that no case of bird flu has been reported in Ghana and that chicken are wholesome for consumption.

He said Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has set up a task force throughout the country to report suspected Bird Flu for quick response.

Dr Tagoe was speaking at a one-day workshop on Bird Flu, organized by Bogoso Gold Limited (BGL) for 40 beneficiaries of a poultry project under its Sustainable Alternative Livelihood Programme (SALP) for communities in its catchment area.

Preceding the workshop was a presentation of 207.2 million cedis Poultry Project Assistance Package to the beneficiaries. The package included 2,500 layers, 300 bags of poultry feed and medicine in addition to technical assistance. The beneficiary communities are Ankobra, Bogoso, Dumasi, Kojokrom, Kwame Niampa and Dumasi.

Dr Tagoe said the avian influenza could affect all types of birds and that the viruses occur naturally among migrating birds, who also transfer it to domestic ones.

Dr Tagoe told them that though the recent bird flu scare does not make it attractive to engage in poultry farming, they should not to be discouraged. However, they should remain alert and report any sign of the disease to the Agricultural Extension Officers. The poultry project was established on pilot basis in October 2005, following a review of the SALP, which initially laid emphasis on development of oil palm plantations.

He said poultry was found to be an effective project to develop since there was large local market for poultry products. Mr Issah said last year the company committed 211 million cedis in the project.