DOH: WV still Bird Flu free
Ramos
The Department of Health (DOH) has categorically denied the reported occurrence of Bird Flu in Negros Occidental particularly in Escalante City even as it called on the public not to immediately believe rumors about the spread of Bird Flu.
According to DOH experts, though other Asian countries had already raised the alarm over Avian Influeza/Bird Flu, the Philippines is still Bird Flu free. Further, the recent text messages circulating about this issue is not true.
At present, the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture are both taking steps to strengthen measures against the spread of such disease. As early as 2004, DOH had already released health advisories. Along with these advisories include several tips for all concerned, including cooking thoroughly all foods from poultry, including eggs; and cleaning hands using either soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers. Health authorities from DOH also advise the public to report any suspected Bird Flu cases, whether affecting either humans or poultries, to the hospital or any nearest health center immediately.
Fortunately, there is no known human-to-human transmission of the disease yet, and Information Education/ Advocacy Campaigns are already ongoing. Provinces had also created Task Forces against Avian Influenza.
According to Regional Director Lydia Depra-Ramos of DOH CHD Western Visayas, only the Secretary of Health and the Department of Agriculture are authorized to issue official statements regarding possible cases of Bird Flu in the country. Meanwhile, the public is assured that 'It is still safe to eat chicken and other poultry products as long as it is well-cooked.' Director Ramos also stresses the need to be calm and emphasizes the need to 'verify all information including text messages if their claim is true as per the announcements of health authorities.'
Meanwhile, the Department Of Agriculture Regional Field Unit 6 (DA-RFU 6) has assured the public it is taking steps to prevent the incidence of the dreaded Avian or Bird Flu in the region.
In a consultative meeting and briefing conducted by the Department of Agriculture last October, veterinarians both from the government and private sectors in the region were informed of the emergency preparedness and response plan against the disease by the concerned agencies.
'In the next two weeks we will go around as a team to talk to local officials known to have migratory sites in the region', said DA RFU 6 Regional Executive Director Jindra Linda Demeterio.
'We will monitor and we want to do this in close collaboration with the local government units and the community itself', she added.
DA RFU 6 Quarantine Services Chief Veterinary Dr. Oscar Lumoso said that there is no cause for panic as the system of control measure is in place. 'The key factors to prevent the entry of bird flu in the region are the participation, awareness and the vigilance of the community', he said.
The cause for concern came on the heels when baseless text messages circulated claiming that a case of bird flu has been confirmed in Escalante, Negros Occidental which the DA denied.
Demeterio also clarified about the dead migratory bird found in EB Magalona, Negros Occidental. She said blood sample was taken from this dead bird and analyzed, it was negative for the virus.
To give the public an idea on how to identify migratory birds, Demeterio said they are planning to come out with a pamphlet guide with pictures. 'Through these pamphlets the general public could identify birds which we have to be weary, don't go near but simply observe', said Demeterio.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has identified the common migratory birds that come to Western Visayas. These are heron and egrets, geese and ducks, rails, gallinules and coots, shore birds -waders and gulls, terns and skimmers.
Demeterio said that all local government units shall be encouraged to adopt an ordinance for the creation of their Avian Influenza Task Force.
'We have already the Regional Avian Influenza Task Force at the regional level which I chaired while our government has set aside budget for the prevention of bird flu', Demeterio added.
Recently, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the DA to intensify the government's information campaign against bird flu.
The government has earmarked P160 million for the multi-agency efforts for the prevention of the disease.
(DOH/PIA)