Monday, July 21, 2008 Minalin poultry trade ready vs bird flu By Ian Ocampo Flora
MINALIN -- The season for migratory birds is fast approaching but the Municipal Government here said its plan are all set to meet the possible dangers of the avian influenza (AI) virus, commonly known as bird flu.
AI or bird flu is a contagious disease of animals by viruses that normally infects birds. It also poses major health risks to human.
Bird flu is transmitted to humans and poultry animals through direct contact with the carrier.
Dr. Analeah Venturina, municipal health officer, said the municipal plans are in place, especially during the of the migratory birds' season.
Venturina said aside from Candaba, this town is also visited by migratory birds.
"Our plans are in place, we have orders here prohibiting the hunting and shooting of wild birds," she said.
Concerns over Minalin's preparedness came after reports that the AI virus infects mostly poultry animals like chicken and ducks.
Minalin is credited as the "Egg Basket" of Central Luzon, and supplies most of the egg requirements of Metro Manila and other provinces. The town's poultry industry plays host to a million egg layers and around 100,000 local ducks.
According to Venturina, migratory birds usually land at the four coastal villages of the town. She, however, clarified that no poultry business are within the vicinity of the area.
Furthermore, local ducks are also prohibited to go to the fields and swamps visited by migratory birds.
The health official advised that physical contact should not be made on sick or dying birds without protective clothing. She said that sanitary procedures should also be considered when handling fouls like constant hand washing.
The Municipal Health Office, she said, is also conducting educational campaign to educate people on the effects and threats of the AI virus.
The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) meantime warned that smuggled exotic birds pose might spread the dreaded AI virus.
During Saturday's meeting of the Provincial Avian Influenza Task Force (PAITF), Provincial Veterinary Officer Augusto Baluyut said the threat of AI now not just confined on the migratory birds that visit Pampanga last year but also on the exotic birds smuggled into the country through its "back door."
Stakeholders primed up the AI defense plan for the province. Among those encouraged was the creation of measures to protect local poultry livestock, boarder control, a comprehensive census on the local poultry industry, and information dissemination campaign.
"Though we have not yet been affected by migratory birds with the AI virus, exotic birds from Asian countries with a history of AI infection may be smuggled through Mindanao," Baluyut said, adding that stakeholders must also combat this immediate threat.
The PVO official said the Philippines is still fortunate that it has not been infected by the AI virus.
In 2006, 36 countries were affected by bird AI. In 2007, 25 countries across continents were devastated by the virus leaving millions of loses in the international poultry business.
