In case of reply the MINISTRY OF FISHERIES AND number and date of this AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT letter should be quoted P.0.BOX GP 630 ACCRA-GHANA Tel: +233 302 675 155 FAX: + 233 302 675 146 REPUBLIC OF GHANA PB-155/175/04 18™ JUNE, 2018 ALL MEDIA HOUSES PRESS RELEASE ON TILAPIA LAKE VIRUS (TiLV) BAN ON TILAPIA AND ORNAMENTAL IMPORTS 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 (MoFAD) 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. This means all countries should be vigilant and act quickly to investigate cases of mortalities in farms In line with this, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development is with this release placing a BAN on the import of all ornamental fishes and tilapia species (live and dead) including gametes-eggs and mil into the country effect from 1% July to 31% December, 2018, 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 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. Consumers and stakeholders are therefore advised to report any issues arising or related to this issue to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development. The Ministry will also update the public on any new developments on this in due time. Contact person Dr. Peter Ziddah 0244254048. PRO! NCIS K. E. NUNOO- AG. CHIEF DIRECTOR FOR: MINISTER cc: Hon. Minister - MOFAD Hon. Deputy Minister - MOFAD