Surveillance for Avian Influenza Virus in Major Live Bird Markets in Accra in the Greater Accra Region

Between January and February, 2017, a total of 438 samples were collected from 154 apparently healthy birds in five major live bird markets (Dome, Agbogbloshie, Kantamanto, Mallam-Atta, and Pokuase) all within Accra in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Real-time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR), and indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) were carried out on all samples. A questionnaire was used to gain insight into live poultry traders’ knowledge, attitudes and practices towards avian influenza biosecurity in these major markets. The overall positive detection of influenza type A virus in the samples was 6.62%. The results of all AI positive detections in both the molecular and serological assays were negative when subtyped for HPAI/H5N1, the implicated influenza A strain reported and confirmed in all episodes of AI in the country thus far. Further, all five (100%) LBMs surveyed in this study tested positive for influenza A. This finding suggests the need for prompt and further consecutive laboratory investigation for complete molecular sequencing and allow for phylogenetic analysis to determine the subtype in circulation. Survey results indicated poor biosecurity practices. Majority of birds in all five surveyed markets were obtained from multiple sources without records. These results accurately reflect the status of the disease in the study areas. Intensified surveillance is therefore needed to keep track of AI situation in the country since type A viruses are capable of constant mutation. Biosecurity measures must be enforced in full in all live bird markets in the country.