MANILA, Philippines — To prevent the entry of bird flu virus into the country, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said on Monday it will keep a tight watch over pet and cage birds being transported at entry points, such as airports and seaports.
DENR Secretary Ramon Paje issued the directive in the wake of reports of a bird flu outbreak in Hong Kong where the alert level for the disease has been raised to “serious,” which means that there is a “high risk” for humans to be infected with the potentially fatal disease.
“We have to strengthen our preparedness and reduce the opportunities for the virus to spread through increased information dissemination and improved warning systems,” Paje said.
“We will closely monitor the reported re-emergence of bird flu in Hong Kong, and, if warranted, we will ban the importation of all exotic birds, especially those coming from countries with reported incidences of the avian flu, and strengthen the enforcement of laws on the illegal wildlife trade,” he added.
The avian influenza virus, more commonly known as “bird flu” or H5N1, is an influenza A virus found mainly in birds, although infections can occur in human beings.
The virus does not usually infect humans, but in 1997, the first case of human infection was reported. According to World Health Organization (WHO) figures, at least 508 people around the world have been infected by the virus with a 60 percent mortality rate.
Indonesia and Vietnam remain as the two countries with the most number of people infected by the bird flu with 170 and 119 cases, respectively.
Paje also ordered all field officials of the DENR to double their efforts at preventing the possible transmission of bird flu into the country.
“I have instructed all regional executive directors to conduct a closer monitoring and regular reporting of any incidence of bird flu in their areas of jurisdiction, and coordinate closely with other government agencies and groups such as bird-watching groups and livestock or poultry associations, if necessary,” he said.
DENR personnel were also assigned to entry points such as air and seaports, together with their counterparts from the customs and law enforcement agencies, to keep a tight watch over pet and cage birds being transported.
The DENR, through the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), will soon conduct surveillance of migratory bird sites with assistance from bird-watching clubs.
Paje noted that the Philippines is an integral part of the East Asian Flyway, and its wetlands provide stopover sites for wild birds during their north-south migration.
He also enjoined the public to support government efforts in preventing the transmission of avian flu.
“We urge everyone to exercise extreme caution in handling fowl, as well as in cooking and eating poultry and poultry products so that we can maintain the country’s clean slate with regard to human cases of the disease,” he said.
Animal quarantine officers assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NIAA) are closely watching the shipment of live fowl and bird species from other countries to prevent the entry of animals infected by the Avian influenza virus.
Dr. Ada Tolentino of the NAIA Veterinary Quarantine Office said she has received orders from the Bureau of Animal Quarantine to confiscate all uncooked meat products, be it poultry, pork, or beef.
According to Dr. Tolentino, her office has been working closely with Bureau of Customs personnel to report to meat products or any suspicious items brought in by passengers from countries with reported cases of the avian flu.
Tolentino said the authorities are also keeping a tight watch on the possible importation of fowl or other bird species that might come from countries through the cargo warehouses.
Bureau of Animal Industry Director Dr. Dave Catbagan, meanwhile, assured the public that poultry products in the country remain safe and are free from the bird flu virus.
According to Dr. Catbagan, the country has stopped importing live poultry from countries with reported cases of avian flu, including China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Indonesia since 2005.
The BAI director said the country sources its poultry breeders from bird flu-free countries such as France, The Netherlands, and Germany.
“There is nothing to worry about,” Dr. Catbagan said. “The BAI together with the Bureau of Quarantine have not let up its guard against the entry of infected animals since 2005.” The BAI chief added.
No comments:
Post a Comment