Gov’t to disinfect chicken, markets after bird flu outbreak

The government of Cameroon will soon start disinfecting chickens and some markets in Yaounde, after the highly pathogenous type H5 Bird Flue influenza hit Cameroon.

Talking to The Post recently, the Centre Regional Delegate of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, Dr. Gaston Meyebe said the government is taking measures to ensure that the bird flu is contained.

To the Delegate, “veterinary specialists will go down to the field to disinfect markets in Mfoudi Division and the chickens that were seized from the Mvog-Betsi Poultry Complex.

We are also reinforcing the banned set by the government in Mfoundi Division to ensure that it does not spread to other areas.” Dr. Meyebe also stated that the H5 bird flu influenza is very dangerous, given that, the virus kills at mass compared to the regular flu. To him, constant vaccination needs to be carried to ensure that chickens are in good health.

Reiterating that it is only the Mvog-Betsi Poultry Complex in Yaounde affected, Dr. Meyebe called on poultry farmers to remain vigilant and report suspected cases. The Delegate said farmers have to respect the decisions put in place to ensure the safety of Cameroonians.

He however called on reporters to transmit accurate information that will enable the government and civil society organisations seek appropriate measures to solve the problem.

Going by decision No 0008/MINEPIA/ DSV of May 26, signed by the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, Dr. Taiga, the selling of chickens in Mfoudi Division is prohibited until necessary measures have been taken.

At the Mendong and Acacia Food Markets in Yaoundé, farmers complained that the ban has made things very difficult for households as they must now turn to substitutes like meat or fish, which will automatically lead to higher prices.

After the outbreak of the flue, the price of chicken has drastically dropped.