Avian flu task force kicks off information drive in regions
Iloilo -- The National Avian Influenza Task Force, primarily created by the government to contain the problems on bird flu is focusing its information dissemination drive on migratory birds and campaign against the smuggling of exotic birds in the country.
Dr. Amelia Marcelo of the National Avian Influenza Task Force said information dissemination and the smuggling of exotic birds in the country are important factors in making the country bird flu free. The program of action is also in relation to Project Blue of the government.
Project Blue is the government's program in ensuring the country free from bird flu. Presently, the task force has yet to record cases of bird flu in the Philippines. The reports on the alleged presence of bird flu in Escalante, Negros Occidental cropped up after a group took blood samples of fowls for testing. It was part of the government's monitoring action to detect if there are any birds or fowls that have strains of avian influenza.
Marcelo said they are conducting information dissemination campaign in 37 provinces in the country. This is to create awareness among the residents particularly those considered critical areas. The members of the task force was in Iloilo City yesterday for the seminar.
Prior to their visit in Iloilo City, they have also visited Bicol, Legaspi and Naga. From Iloilo City, they will troop to Roxas City, Capiz and Bacolod City. Iloilo City was put on the priority list of the task force because of its proximity to Roxas City and at the same time being surrounded by waters.
She added they are also campaigning against the smuggling of exotic birds in the country. They are closely watching in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Port Irene in Ilocos Norte, Subic and Zamboanga. These ports are possible entry points of wild bird, game fowls and poultry.
Apart from information campaign and drive against the smuggling of exotic birds, the task force is also conducting surveillance on the sanctuaries of migratory birds. In Iloilo City, barangays Hinactacan in Lapaz and Airport-Navais, Mandurriao are being watched.
The government is also raising bio-security measures. Poultry farms and duck raising protocols are considered. In the crisis response preparedness of the government, they have designed several plans such as the identification of farms suspected of having the strain of avian influenza, confirmed avian influenza, bird to human transmission and human to human transmission.
Marcelo encouraged the people to have their ducks or chickens enclose in pens to avoid contact from the migratory birds. The 'free range' practice allowing the chickens or ducks room is being discouraged.
The people should not disturb the flock of the migratory birds and their sanctuaries. It is even alarming if they will scatter from their group and their habitat, said Marcelo.