Scientists from Ghana’s Veterinary Service Department (VSD) and the CSIR – Animal Research Institute have substantiated the presence of Infectious Bronchitis (IB) in the country’s poultry sector, identifying it as a type of coronavirus.
The confirmation follows extensive sampling across nine regions, revealing IB’s widespread prevalence and detrimental impact on poultry production. Researchers highlighted that the virus causes significant economic losses, including reduced poultry output, decreased egg production, and a mortality rate of up to 5% in affected birds.
Speaking at a stakeholders workshop in Koforidua, Senior Research Scientists Dr. Matilda Ayim Akonnor and Dr. Theophilus Odoom presented their findings on IB’s serotypes and pathotypes in Ghana. They emphasized the urgent need for a targeted vaccination program to mitigate further spread among poultry farms.
Dr Ayim Akonnor noted, “We have confirmed the presence of the virus in all nine regions sampled. Our analysis has identified circulating serotypes crucial for developing an effective vaccination schedule to protect Ghana’s poultry farmers.”
Dr Odoom underscored IB’s economic significance: “The virus causes substantial financial losses and has contributed to the closure of many poultry farms. Our research has identified suitable vaccine types that can bolster industry resilience.”
The chairman of the Veterinary Council of Ghana, Dr Jonathan Amakye Anim, affirmed plans to integrate IB vaccination into the national schedule and urged regulatory bodies to expedite vaccine approvals to support industry recovery efforts.
“We have finalized the vaccination schedule and are working with vaccine importers and the FDA to ensure swift deployment. Collaboration is essential to safeguarding our poultry industry from further losses,” Dr. Amakye Anim emphasized.
