Quarantine measures vs. bird flu up in WV ports of entry

By Maricar M. Calubiran
Correspondent

Department of Agriculture Regional Director Ricardo Oblena said the department will enforce stringent quarantine measures in the different ports of entry in the region to prevent the entry of H5, a strain of bird flu found in ducks.

Oblena said they have to be vigilant and cautious in order to prevent the entry of H5 and affect the region's industry particularly the poultry industry. They are also monitoring all the livestock industry. “As of now, Western Visayas is free from bird flu.”

He said though there are poultry farms that produce baluts for the local consumption but the region gets some of its balut needs from Luzon particularly in Laguna. Balut are fertilized duck's eggs and has commercial value. Balut making is also considered as backyard industry. “Quarantine services should be done in order not to attack our industry here.”

H5 had been found in ducks in an isolated farm in Calumpit, Bulacan. It was the country's first case of bird flu. Though, H5 is not as deadly as H5N1 strain that claimed the lives of more than 50 people in Asia since an outbreak was reported in 2003, the government do not want to take chances. They have taken blood samples from the affected ducks and sent it to the Food and Agricultural Organization's laboratories in Australia to confirm the strain.

The regional director added that they are continuing their information dissemination to educate the public regarding the bird flu. This is to create awareness to the duck raisers and poultry farm owners.