Tuesday, February 05, 2008 LT councilor pushes for better bird flu protection
BEING the biggest producer of poultry products in Benguet, a La Trinidad councilor wants the passage of an ordinance, which would secure the public from the health risks posed by the industry to the public.
Councilor Francis Lee proposed localizing the avian influenza (AI) prevention and control program to safeguard the town's constituents from the health risks posed by the poultry industry.
The proposed AI (commonly known as bird flu) prevention and control ordinance mandates the conduct of a census on all livestock and poultry holding facilities in the town.
Lee said the passage of the ordinance does not only focus on public health protection but also on the local livestock industry.
"We have to ensure the safety of our people and the local poultry industry, by passing measures to prevent and control the possible entry or outbreak of the avian flu in our municipality," said Lee, chairman of the Municipal Council committee on health.
Although the country is declared free from bird flu, authorities have encouraged local government units to come up with measures to ensure the protection of their constituents and local livestock industries from the threats of the dreaded disease.
Other municipalities in the province have already passed ordinances for the prevention of avian flu in their respective localities.
Buguias, which has been identified as one of the entry points of migratory birds, banned the catching of wild birds. Migratory birds as said to be the carries of AI virus.
Dr. Miriam Tiongan of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) said poultry raising in Benguet is growing, with La Trinidad having the biggest production.
As of 2006, there was 180,000 poultries grown in the province. Tiongan said more farmers have been asking the PVO for technical assistance on poultry growing and egg production. (JC)
