Get organized vs avian flu - DA
Iloilo -- Organization is the key to preventing Avian Flu from getting a foothold in the country.
Agriculture Regional Director Jindra Linda Demeterio said that at this stage of preparedness against Avian Influenza (AI), all the sectors in the country should put their efforts together, get organized in their local communities and set up a strong monitoring mechanism.
Likewise, Demeterio also said that everybody should get involved in a massive information campaign, by word of mouth to spread the precautionary measures that are being undertaken by the local government units.
She added that bird flu is not a joke that should be taken lightly by anyone. The means of defeating bird flu is in acting immediately and promptly on any threat monitored.
To support the urgency of her call, Director Demeterio said that the AI is already a global threat, affecting 15 countries. In Southeast Asia only 3 countries are not yet affected: Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines. The first two do not have poultry industry, while in the Philippines, 16 percent of its total agricultural production come from the industry.
The country generates P116 billion from chicken meat alone. Western Visayas accounts for 14 million birds, while Iloilo has about 5 million birds to protect from contamination.
Earlier, Iloilo Governor Niel Tupas had issued Executive Order 428 creating the Provincial Anti Avian Influenza Task Force to ensure that Iloilo is AI free, as well as enable the province to cope, should it become infected.
The Task Force has been into active monitoring and surveillance of strategic areas in the province particularly those municipalities where migratory birds are most likely to settle.
Governor Tupas said that there is no need to panic now, as measures are in place against the onslaught of the Avian Influenza.
The National Avian Influenza Task Force (NAITF) held an orientation-conference in Iloilo City as part of its series of Information Education Communication activities.
(PIA 6)