Dr. Richard Suu-Ire, a Wildlife Veterinary Specialist, on Thursday advised Ghanaian soldiers to be wary of wildlife including their meat while on international peace duties.
“Everyday a new animal is discovered to have contracted a zoonotic disease including Avian Influenza,” he said.
Dr. Suu-Ire said this at a lecture organised for military personnel and civilian employees of the 66 Artillery Regiment (Volta
Barracks) in Ho.
He said the country remained at risk of Avian Influenza due to continued outbreak around the world and urged security personnel to take measures not to contract the disease while on international assignments.
Dr. Suu-Ire said if it became necessary for them to eat or bring wild birds or animals into the country, they should make use of veterinary services around.
He said though the country had instituted stringent measures to prevent the disease, it was important for all to practice personal hygiene for the personal safety and that of the country.
Lieutenant-Colonel Courage Deafeamekpor, who was with the health team from Accra, urged the personnel to report strange diseases on their birds and animals to veterinary officers and desist from eating sick birds and animals.
Participants at the lecture urged churches to moderate the use of handkerchiefs in churches to avoid the spread of the disease should anyone be suffering from the virus.