Valenzuela creates anti-bird flu task force

Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian announced yesterday the creation of the Anti-Avian Flu Task Force (AAFTF) that will be at the forefront of the city’s defense against the growing threat of the disease.

"Although there are still no known cases of bird flu in the country, we have to take every precaution to prevent the likely spread of the virus and be ready with a strategic response. It is best that we are ready for any eventually," Gatchalian said.

The polluted air in Metro Manila notwithstanding, certain types of migratory birds have considered its swampy areas, including those in Valenzuela and Parañaque, as temporary homes, according to bird experts at the Wildlife Monitoring Unit of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Dr. Steven Toledo, a member of the National Task Force on Avian Flu, reassured the public that there is still no bird flu in the country.

"But this should not, by any means, make us complacent. We are doing the necessary measures to prevent any possible outbreak," Toledo of the Parks and Wildlife Bureau’s wildlife rescue center told The STAR.

An information drive on bird flu is underway in coordination with the barangays to inform the public of the dangers and preventive measures to avoid contracting the disease.

Purchase of protective gear and needed equipment to enable health workers to efficiently but safely discharge their duties in case of an unfortunate breakout.

Gatchalian has designated Dr. Manuel Mapue, city epidemiologist as action officer of the task force. Other members include city agriculture officer Dr. Nestor Manzano, city police chief Superintendent Billy Beltran and representatives of the local disaster coordinating council and the business sector.

Also under close watch are wet markets and pet shops in the city.

"We have identified bird sanctuaries in the city with over a hundred species of migratory birds. This puts us at high risk so vigilance is a must for us," the mayor said.

City public information officer Marither Menia said the birds, among them the night herons, fondly called by locals as "bakaw-gabi," are found in the marshy areas of the city’s low-lying first district.

Toledo identified other bird sanctuaries in the country as those found in the Candaba swamps in Pampanga and the Olangpo islands in Cebu.