Issuance of permits for exotic birds from 11 countries suspended
The processing and issuance of wildlife permits for exotic birds coming from 11 countries is indefinitely suspended in the country prompted by reported cases of bird flu incidents in these places to prevent the entry of the disease and protect public health.
The move is among the control measures instituted by the Department of Environment (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Health (DOH) as part of the government’s campaign against the Avian or Bird Flu.
The 11 countries identified are Cambodia, China, Hongkong, Japan, Laos, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Related to this Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Michael T. Defensor warned smugglers of exotic birds that they will be dealt with severely if they persist in their illicit importing activities since they will be putting the health of the public at risk if and when the birds carry the bird flu virus.
Likewise, Defensor has called for strict monitoring of major airports and seaports for illegal entry of traded birds. He has also sought the help of the authorities and the Bureau of Customs in apprehending contraband shipment of birds.
In a recent seminar workshop on Avian Influenza Prevention Program conducted by some of the members of the National Avian Influenza Task Force (NAITF) here in Iloilo City it was learned that some of these areas included in the monitoring ar e Zamboanga, Gen. Santos, Davao, Palawan, NAIA, Laoag, Port Irene and Subic.
Not only major airports and seaports are being watched but also bird sanctuaries and wetland areas in the country.
Earlier, Secretary Defensor created a Task Force Wild Life (TFWB)tasked to keep a close watch on the country’s 55 wetland areas and implement measures that will prevent local fowls and even humans from venturing into wading areas of migratory birds. High in the priority list to be closely monitored by the Task Force are the wetland areas with the most number of migratory birds counted by the DENR wildlife officers.
The country is included in the East Asian Migratory Flyway, one of the most important shorebird and waterbird migratory flyways in the world. A total of 77 species of migratory birds birds use this flyway, Olango Island in Cebu supports 62 percent of this number.
Based on the result of the 2005 Annual Wildbird Census (AWC) of the DENR Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) Naujan Lake in Oriental Mindoro, Candaba Swamp in Pampanga and Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary recorded the highest number of wild birds this year with as many as 14,000.
With this, the NAITF continue to advise the public not to touch, buy and hunt migratory birds which could be carriers of the avian flu virus.
(PIA)