“Illegal” poultry farm causes fly infestation

CEBU, Philippines — The poultry farm suspected to be the source of the fly infestation in the city of Toledo has been operating without a business permit, according to an investigation conducted by the city government.

Mayor Marjorie Perales disclosed that results of the investigation conducted by the office of the City Engineer, City Veterinarian, and City Assessor have confirmed that Emil Poultry Farm has been operating without a business permit.

Perales added that, according to a report made by the City Environment and Natural Resource Office, a caretaker of the farm stated that the flies came with the hauling trucks that transported the chickens during harvest period.

CENRO also suspected lapses on the management in terms of the maintenance of the farm’s overall sanitation.

"The team suspected that there was a failure on the part of the management to maintain the sanitary conditions of the tunnel vent and did not follow the disinfection scheduling to prevent maggots to multiply and spread out," Perales said.

She added that she will be meeting with the investigation team today to discuss the appropriate sanctions to impose on Emil Poultry Farm.

Perales assured that she will issue a cease and desist order to the poultry farm, if they would discover any violation.

News of the fly infestation in Barangay Cambang-ug and General Climaco in Toledo City broke out this month.

Children in the affected areas have gotten ill and it was suspected to have been brought upon by the influx of flies. (FREEMAN)