Poultry farmers and agricultural authorities in Pangasinan have stepped up biosecurity measures after cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), or bird flu, were confirmed in two towns in the province last month.

At a poultry farm in Barangay Banaoang, Mangaldan, workers are closely monitoring about 5,000 chickens to prevent the highly contagious disease from spreading among their flock.

Jonvic Abobo, a farm worker, said they administer medicines, vitamins, and vaccines regularly to keep the birds healthy.

"Tulad po ng pagpapainom natin ng gamot at vitamins na iba't ibang klase para hindi sila dapuan ng sakit at saka every week po na may bakuna tayo," Abobo said.

In June, the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory-Region 1 and the Bureau of Animal Industry confirmed H5N1 avian influenza cases in two Pangasinan towns.

Following the confirmation, authorities banned the entry of live chickens, other poultry, and poultry by-products from the affected areas to prevent the disease from spreading.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), together with the Department of Agriculture and the National Meat Inspection Service, is also monitoring neighboring towns. Authorities said the previously reported cases have already been contained.

Mangaldan's agriculture office has also tightened inspections at border checkpoints to ensure poultry products entering the town come from disease-free sources.

Municipal Veterinarian Dr. Wilino Zacarias said transporters must present the required veterinary documents.

"Dapat mayroon silang papers na may VHC o galing sa mga NMIS na paper na magsasabi na galing sila sa bird flu-free na farm," Zacarias said.

Zacarias warned that bird flu can infect humans through direct contact with infected birds. Symptoms may include eye infections, fever, cough, sore throat, and other flu-like illnesses.

"Zoonotic, nakakahawa sa tao. Ang transfer ng sakit is direct contact talaga. So, pag nakaka... possible na tatamaan ka," he said.

Authorities continue to remind poultry raisers to observe strict biosecurity measures and immediately report any unusual illnesses or deaths among their birds to prevent further spread of the virus.