Measures readied on avian flu risk areas

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines - Contingency measures are now readied by the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) in the identified risk areas for the possible contamination of avian influenza, said Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Antonio Mutia. To kick off the plan, a provincial workshop on avian influenza has been conducted to mitigate measures and to address the possible entry of the disease in the province. Mutia said the Philippines remains a bird-flu free country. "Mas maayong mangandam ta kay unya na ba ta molihok ug maigo na (It's good we are preparing since we only act when we are already affected)" stressed Mutia. A three-day workshop started last Wednesday. It was attended by representatives from various sectors and local governments and expected to be finished by Friday. The Office of Civil Defense spearheaded the activity. Mutia said the Provincial Avian Influenza Contingency Planning Formulation Workshop aims to draw up mitigating measures that would address possible bird-flu contamination. He said that after the activity, a contingency plan would empower local government units of at least eight high-risk areas in Negros Oriental. He identified the highly risk areas as Bayawan City, Sta. Catalina, Siaton, Amlan, Tanjay City, Bais City, Manjuyod, and Canlaon City. These areas have been identified as high risk for bird flu due to their swampy areas and being a favorite landing zones for migratory birds that flee from colder countries, he said. He pointed out that though the Philippines is still free from avian influenza virus, there is always the risk as smuggled birds are being entered into the country via the back door. He noted that exotic birds are among the popular items being illegally slipped into the Philippines. Likewise, he said, that Indonesia, which has previously reported cases of bird-flu, is near the Philippines. He explained that active participation of the local government units will help educate the people on the dangers of avian influenza. Duck-raisers and people living near swampy areas have to be informed about the early symptoms of bird flu and should inform the nearest authority of a suspected case, he added. He admitted that although the province is not capable of diagnosing the disease through examination of blood samples, there are facilities in the region, such as those in Cebu that could do laboratory examinations. He noted that bird flu virus cannot be detected by ocular inspection, but has to be confirmed by laboratory tests. - Sun.Star Dumaguete