Update of Avian influenza (AI) in Upper East Region

Information gathered from the Upper East Regional Veterinary Officer for personnel, Data and information Robert Bayuo, indicates that 15 communities have been infected with the Avian Influenza (AI) in the Upper East Region, as of yesterday the 17^th of February, 2022. A total of two thousand, 817 (2,817) birds have been destroyed according to the records from the Veterinary Directorate in the Region.

Speaking to our Correspondent in Bolgatanga Mr. Bayuo described Avian Influenza (AI) as a disease of viral etiology that ranges from a mild or even asymptomatic infection to an acute, fatal disease of chicken, turkey, guinea fowl, and other avian species, especially migratory waterfowl.

He disclosed that Ghana reported the current outbreak on the 7th July 2021 at a farm in Nungua in the Greater Accra region, the outbreak has since been reported in 11 regions of the country. The upper east region recorded its first outbreak on the 17th of January 2022 at Zaare in the Bolgatanga Municipality.

The virus has since been recorded in eight other locations in six districts. On the 25th of January 2022, Samples were received from Saboro in the Kassena Nankana East Municipal, Guborigo in the Talensi District, and Widnaba in the Bawku West District, and all tested Positive.

On 27th January 2022, a farmer brought samples from Soe in the Bolgatanga Municipality and it also tested positive, on the 28th of January 2022, samples brought in from Kaare in the Talensi District tested positive as well.

In other to ascertain the extent of the existence of the virus in the region, a team was deployed to other parts of the region to randomly sample among the avian population to determine the existence or otherwise of the virus in those locations.

The locations visited are as follows, Bolgatanga lives bird Market, Pelungu, Zeibilla, Zorko, Pomolga Sirigu, Navrongo, and Sandema live bird markets.  

Test results for the above locations were all positive except that of Sandema and Pomolga Sirigu live bird Markets. Mr. Robert Bayuo said the presence of the Avian Influenza Virus in Commercial, Local and Wild birds in the region poses a high risk of human involvement. 

Meanwhile, 3 communities in the Garu District confirmed positive but they are still following the protocols before the official communication. A Regional Public health Emergency Management Committee meeting with all stakeholders has been slated for Friday 18th February 2022 at 2pm with Upper East Regional Minister at the Regional Coordinating Council.

 

World Pulse Day Observed

      Pulse plant

In 2018, the UN General Assembly decided to use 10th February as World Pulses Day. World Pulse

Day.  The day is, observed internationally by the UNs Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)

 which aims to tackle world hunger and improve global nutrition and food security.

      Pulses  Seeds

Pulses are edible seeds of leguminous plants including beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils which are very rich in essential nutrients, gluten-free, are part of a healthy balanced diet and have also been shown to play a major role in preventing illness.

The World Health Organization estimates that about 80% of heart diseases, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, and more than a third of cancers could be prevented by eliminating risk factors such as unhealthy diets and promoting better eating habits of which pulses are essential components.

Pulses are also an important source of proteins and in most developing countries constitute the main source of proteins for most populations. 

       A Pediatrician resident Dr. Gillian Bogee

In an interview with our gbcuraradio.com Correspondent in Bolgatanga, a Paediatrician resident Dr. Gillian Bogee said  Pulses are packed with nutrients and have a high protein content, making them an ideal source of protein particularly in regions where meat and dairy are not physically or economically accessible. Pulses are also zero - cholesterol, high content of iron and zinc, rich in nutrients,  rich in minerals (zinc, potassium, magnesium, and iron), and B-vitamins, (niacin, thiamine, and folate).

She indicated that Pulses contain about twice the amount of protein found in whole grain cereals like wheat, rice, barley, and oats. They have a  low glycaemic index, low-fat content, and also a source of dietary fiber both soluble (which helps in decreasing blood cholesterol level and control of blood sugar) and insoluble (which helps with digestion).

     Various varieties of pulses seeds

 As a result, of these rich qualities Dr. Bogee added, they are recommended by health organizations for the management of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. Pulses are an important versatile ingredient that has a long short life, meaning that they can be stored for months without losing their high nutritional value, providing increased food availability between harvests and for farmers. 

She stated that they are important crops because they can both be sold and consumed and help farmers maintain household food security and create economic stability. While pigeon peas and Bambara beans can be cultivated in very poor soil and semi-arid environments, crops residues from grains, legumes can also be used as animals’ fodder.

      Pulses farm

By inter-cropping with pulses, Dr. Bogee hinted increases farm biodiversity and creates a more diverse landscape for animals and insects. The nitrogen-fixing properties of pulses can improve soil fertility, which improves and extends the productivity of farmland not forgetting that pulses are also water efficient. Pulses have a smaller carbon footprint than many other crops making them one of the most environmentally sustainable food choices.

These are some of the reasons why pluses are a great option for better health and sustainability whether you are living in a low, middle, or high-income country.  They are a great option and the World Food Program (WFP) for instance, includes 60grams of pulses in its typical food basket.

Let us all join in the call to celebrate this year's International Day of Pulses, and also celebrate all the great things pulses do to make the world a happier and healthier place. Remember that pulses are meant to keep your pulse correct. Happy pulses day.