The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has released funds in the amount of GH¢20,105,718.03 to support poultry farmers affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in 2021.

The amount would be used for stamping out, decontamination, and disposal materials, compensation to currently affected farmers, and some outstanding compensation from 2015-2018 as well as the roll-out of a communication plan.

The Agric Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto announced the intervention to combat the outbreak of the Bird Flu in Accra yesterday.

According to him, the government since the outbreak of the flu has shown commitment in addressing the challenge and as a result, approved the release of an emergency budget support of approximately GH¢44 million to MoFA.

Additionally, he said the government also granted approval for the immediate recruitment and deployment of an initial 550 veterinary professionals, out of a total of 1100 Professionals, procurement of vehicles, motorbikes, and laboratory equipment for the smooth operations of the Veterinary Services Directorate.

The minister explained that GH¢20 million was necessitated by the outbreak of the disease, which happened between July and December 2021.

The disease affected 554,638  birds alongside 1,701.5 bags of feed and 2,548  crates of eggs. 

Due to the huge losses that the farmers had experienced, he said “the Ministry has agreed to pay GHC30.00 for a matured bird, GHC20.00 for a pullet, GHC10.00 per chick, GHC80.00 for a bag of feed, and GHC10.00 for a crate of eggs based on the amount available immediately.” 

Dr. Afriyie Akoto stressed that based on 2016, 2017, and 2018 data available to the Ministry, there are about outstanding 36 poultry farms that are to receive their compensation while the newly affected farms, particularly in 2022 would also be captured in the database of the Ministry and to be taken care of.

“Affected poultry farmers between July – December 31, 2021, should collect their certificates of destruction from the VSD and submit to the Finance and taken care of,” he added.

The minister also urged farmers to intensify their biosecurity measures on farms and to avoid restocking farms.