Bird flu triggers stricter measures in Zambo

THE LOCAL government of Zamboanga has banned the entry of all species of live birds, including day-old chicks and pullets or hens less than a year old; and fresh and salted eggs, among other poultry products following the breakout of bird flu in Bulacan, Pampanga, Laguna and Camarines Sur provinces in Luzon.

Mayor Beng Climaco has issued Executive Order 720 on March 16 implementing a month-long temporary total ban that covers ready-to-lay pullets, ducks and quails, balut, manure and other products and by-products from Luzon and other areas affected by avian influenza viruses. 

These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred. 

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed the outbreak of bird flu in Bulacan and Pampanga after birds, ducks and quails were tested positive for the Asian highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. 

The Zamboanga City Livestock and Poultry Board also urged the public to report unusual sickness and mortality of poultry birds, ducks, pet birds to the local government and for residents to avoid contact with wild or migratory birds and not to touch or consume poultry birds, ducks, quails which have died from unknown causes. 

Two years ago, the local government expanded its tight control on the entry of animals and processed meats in an effort to prevent local contamination or exposure to viruses and diseases with the Office of the City Veterinarian requiring all shippers of poultry to obtain a permit prior to the entry of fowls in Zamboanga City after the breakout of avian influenza and Newcastle diseases among fowls.  

The World Organization for Animal Health said ND is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects birds including domestic poultry. ND is transmitted most often by direct contact with diseased or carrier birds. It can also be a public health risk as it can infect humans, causing conjunctivitis although the condition is generally very mild and self-limiting.  

Last year, Climaco also established the African Swine Fever (ASF) Prevention and Control Committee in response to the viral outbreaks in Luzon and some parts of Mindanao.  

Climaco issued Executive Order No. BC 596-2020 which underscored the need for the immediate adaption of the National African Swine Fever prevention program to protect Zamboanga from the dreaded animal disease and protect the swine industry and stakeholders.  

The ASF virus is transmitted by direct contact, ingestion of garbage or swill feeds containing unprocessed infected pig meat or pig meat products, ticks and biting flies, and contaminated premises, vehicles, equipment and clothing.  

While not a human health threat, the ASF is capable of annihilating the entire swine industry. As of yet, no vaccine or treatment exists to combat the virus. But stringent importation policies, early detection and strict biosecurity measures are being carried out to ensure Zamboanga City remains ASF-free. (Zamboanga Post)