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DENR VI: Bird flu threat is real

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office has warned the public, especially poultry raisers and bird enthusiasts, to be vigilant and careful in handling and dealing with domestic fowls, poultry and migratory birds.

'The threat of bird flu is real,' says DENR Regional Executive Director Celso V. Loriega, Jr. With the onset of October, the migratory birds from Siberia, China, Alaska are now migrating to warmer countries like the Philippines to roost and feed. 

'Here in Region 6, we have marshlands where migratory birds pass through and it is very important that we have to take precautions”, says Loriega.  “What is alarming is the scientific findings that the bird flu virus in birds has been recorded in South East Asia  in 2003 to have come in contact with a human flu virus and mutated into a strain that can spread from humans to humans,' he added.

There are many types of avian (bird) flu virus. The sub-type spreading through Asia causing to life and livelihood is the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) of the sub-type H5NI.

It is also reported that the avian flu virus had been afflicting mankind for ages. In fact, a group of scientists had recently uncovered that the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918 that killed up to 25 million people had began among birds and then mutated and spread to humans.

It is advised that people should avoid direct contact of domestic flocks with wild migratory birds. Avoid also direct contact with discharges from infected birds and fowls especially feces and respiratory secretions. The disease may spread through contaminated feeds, water, cages, equipment and then clothing.

Loriega also warned the public from buying exotic birds especially from those vendors who have no permit to sell. He also advised vendors of exotic birds to bring all these birds to the Department of Agriculture for examination before selling it.

The Protected Areas and Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services (PAWCZMS) of the DENR under the management of RTD Arlene T. Dalawis had reported that they had already coordinated with the Department of Agriculture wherein the DENR is a member of the Regional Avian Influenza Task Force who shall monitor the area of any indication of contamination.

No issuance of Transport Permit of Avian will be given without any clearance from the Department of Agriculture.  All field offices of the DENR was also instructed to regularly monitor wetland areas and report to the DA if there are some observations like sickness and mortality of any bird species. Dalawis also said that their staff will conduct monitoring and information dissemination on bird flu at the Ilog-Hilabangan wetland.

Likewise, the DENR- Gender and Development (GAD) shall also conduct an orientation on Bird flu at the regional office and PAWCZMS will disseminate a primer on preventive measures as soon as the DA will be able to produce the document.

'At present, there is no cited case of bird flu in the region but let us be wary of the saying - An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,' Loriega said. 'Let us not wait for the disease to come, let us be very careful because the threat is real'.

(rac/rpao)