The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has placed an immediate ban on the importation of all ornamental fishes and tilapia species (live and dead) including gametes-eggs and milk into the country effective 1st July- 30th December due to the outbreak of Tilapia Lake Virus.
“Tilapia Lake Virus is a newly emerging virus that is associated with significant mortalities in farmed tilapia. The attention of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has been drawn to the fact that, cases have been reported across Africa, Asia and South America that the virus represents a huge risk to the global tilapia industry,” a statement from the ministry said.
The ban is one of the immediate actions being taken by the Ministry to help prevent and control the virus since its treatment is not known.
The ministry is calling on all consumers and stakeholders to report any issues arising or related to this issue to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.
“The Ministry will follow up with capacity building and awareness creation programmes at different levels to farmers, hatchery operators, extension officers, and consumers and the general public to support implementation of simple farm level biosecurity programmes,” the statement said.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Regina Asamoah| [email protected]