Bird flu watch tightened in 14 CV areas

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – At least 14 wetland and coastal areas in Cagayan Valley, which migratory birds frequent, are being closely watched to prevent the possible entry of the avian influenza virus or bird flu.

Besides the Magat Dam in Ramon, Isabela, among other areas being closely monitored for infected birds were the Basao Lake, Buguey Lagoon, Pata Lake and Amulung Lake in Cagayan and the Monterey and Malasi Lakes in Isabela.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said coastal areas and water impounding dams in the region, where sightings of migratory birds were reported, are also included in their watch.

Forester Mina Labuguen of the DENR’s protected area wildlife and coastal zones management sector said that so far, Cagayan Valley is free from the bird flu virus amid reported sightings of migratory birds in these areas.

The DENR advised the public to avoid hunting or catching the migratory birds as they might be carriers of the virus.

Labuguen said they are expecting more species of birds migrating to the wetlands of the region noting the cold weather in the United States and European countries.

Birds, usually from other Asian countries, migrate to tropical countries like the Philippines to escape the extreme cold weather in the northern hemisphere.