Tests show Phl remains bird flu-free

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines  – The country remains free from bird flu following negative results in tests on some 7,000 randomly picked fowl, the government said yesterday.

However, Dr. Eduardo Lapuz, Department of Agriculture Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory chief, said thousands of wild birds that have migrated to the Candaba swamp in Pampanga and other parts of the country comprise the weakest link in the anti-avian flu defense system.

Blood and swab samples from some 7,000 fowl examined by the laboratory in San Fernando, Pampanga have tested negative for the H5N1 avian flu virus, he added.

Lapuz said all ports of entry are on high alert for live and dressed fowl, especially those from countries listed by the Bureau of Animal Industry as potential sources of contaminated birds.

The list is based on the recommendation of the France-based L’organization Internationale des Epizooties or World Animal Health Organization, he added.

Lapuz said the movement of ducks and poultry from one province to another is being closely monitored by provincial veterinarians.

“Mostly affected by this requirement are duck raisers whose practice is to transport their ducks to newly harvested rice fields in nearby provinces for grazing purposes for about six months,” he said.

Lapuz said despite strict measures at ports of entry, the bird flu virus could still enter the country through migratory birds escaping from harsh winter in nearby countries.

“This is the reason why we conduct most of our laboratory tests on blood and cloacal samples during the month of September before the wild birds fly in, and then in March or April after they have gone,” he said.

Lapuz said distancing both humans and local fowl from wild birds would be the only measure to avoid possible contamination. “There are quarantine areas in bird sanctuaries such as in the Candaba swamp where Mayor Jerry Pelayo has been effective in enforcing anti-bird flu measures,” he said. – With Evelyn Macairan, Rudy Santos