Threat of AI persists; info drive to continue
Capiz, Negros Occ. in 'hotspot' list
An information campaign is now being conducted to raise public awareness on Avian Influenza (AI) as it remains to be a threat to the country.
At a recent orientation on AI for journalists, Reynaldo Soriano, AI coordinator for TB LINC (Linking Initiatives and Networking to Control Tuberculosis), said that the bird flu scare is far from over as new outbreaks among poultry were reported in Hong Kong and Indonesia.
About 20 journalists from all over the Philippines attended the seminar on AI, more commonly known as bird flu. The seminar, held on December 11-12 in Clark, Pampanga, is part of the Avian Influenza Preparedness Project of the government, assisted by the US government.
The program is part of the efforts to raise public awareness, even among the media practitioners, about AI. Information and education materials are distributed nationwide.
An agreement with mobile phone service provider SMART Communications is being drafted for a text-based information drive about AI, dubbed 700 Manok. Concerned officials including those in the barangay level have also been briefed on the various protocols regarding AI.
The information campaign covers everything from prevention to reporting of suspected cases to conduct in the event of a confirmed AI case in the country.
During the orientation, authorities from the Department of Health and the Bureau of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture stressed that the Philippines remains to be free from AI, and that measures aimed at preventing an outbreak of bird flu are being implemented. Nonetheless, authorities continue to hope that the Philippines maintains its AI-free status.
Tests are regularly done, especially among the domestic poultry and wildlife birds in Candaba, Pampanga, said Dr. Emelinda Lopez of the BAI's Animal Health Division.
Candaba swamp is a haven for migratory birds coming from other countries escaping the harsh winter in the northern hemisphere.
Lopez said that AI may enter the country in three ways: illegal trade of poultry and exotic birds affected with bird flu, through migratory birds, or humans already affected by the H5N1 strain and are from the affected countries.
From 2003-2008, 61 countries reported outbreaks of AI H5N1 strain among domestic poultry and wildlife.
In the Philippines, agriculture and health authorities are on the lookout for possible AI cases among the poultry and wildlife fowl in Candaba, Pampanga, Negros Occidental, particularly Bacolod City and La Carlota City, and General Santos. Gamefowl breeding is the province's second biggest industry. General Santos is considered an AI hotspot because of its large fishing operations, which makes it possible for fishermen to have direct contact with Indonesia, a country already affected by AI.
Concerns of smuggling of exotic birds from Indonesia has been raised. Capiz is also a hotspot because of the presence of migratory birds.