Flu scare casualty: 354 lovebirds

The month of hearts was the time to die for these symbols of fidelity and undying love.

Originally destined to become pampered pets that are traditionally given as Valentine’s Day gifts, 354 lovebirds imported from Europe were destroyed yesterday because the plane that brought them in made a stopover in Thailand, which has been hit by the deadly bird flu, officials said.

Customs authorities seized the consignment of the small parrots from a commercial flight from the Netherlands on Feb. 4, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) quarantine chief Davinio Catbagan said.

Although the plane had made only a brief stopover at Bangkok airport, "we cannot take any chances," he said.

The agriculture department has ordered that all poultry and related shipments into the country that passed through infected countries must be seized and put down.

"They will be euthanized before being destroyed so animal rights activists would not complain," Catbagan said before the lovebirds were destroyed.

The lovebirds were kept in the Manila International Airport Services Corp. (MIASCOR) warehouse at the NAIA.

Sources within the quarantine service said lovebirds can cost up to P10,000 a pair for rare breeds.

In a report to Bureau of Animal Industry director Dr. Jose Molina, Catbagan said the shipment arrived under Airway Bill No. 229-0888-6742 from the Netherlands, passing through the Gulf state of Kuwait and the Thai capital of Bangkok en route to Manila.

Catbagan sought Molina’s instructions on the matter. "Considering that the shipment was transshipped, though not unloaded, thereat but remained in same aircraft, through Bangkok, Thailand, one of the countries hit by bird flu, may we be immediately be advised what to do with the birds?" he asked.

Catbagan also requested additional Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) technical personnel to assist the quarantine personnel in disposing of the birds’ remains.

The shipment was consigned to Henry Villalon, of No. 5 Bulakeña Village, Saog, Marilao, Bulacan. It had the proper documentation, including a veterinary health certificate and import permits.

However, Catbagan said "that is really the procedure. If they pass by an Asian country with bird flu — even just for a stopover — we do not release (them)."

The carrier’s agent was identified as Elmskip Schiphol B.V., of Prestwickweg 20, 111B LB Schiphol Zuidoest, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Customs duty collector Getulio Dupalco and representatives of the Animal Welfare Division and the Veterinary Quarantine Service witnessed the burning of the bird carcasses.

The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza has killed 19 people in Vietnam who acquired it from contact with birds and led to the culling of 50 million chickens cross Asia to stem the spread of the virus. — With AFP, AP