The Negros Oriental Provincial Veterinary Office is stepping up its monitoring of certain areas for the presence of migratory birds, amid the cold weather in other countries.
PVO information officer-designate Jaymar Vilos told the media on Friday that so far, Negros Oriental remains free from avian influenza.
However, he said he noted that this is the time of the year when migratory birds flee the cold weather from other countries, and come to the Philippines.
“We are stepping up our monitoring and surveillance in high-risk areas visited by migratory birds, and the good news is that the latest blood sampling (done last December) turned out negative for bird flu,” Vilos said.
The eight risk areas for avian influenza in Negros Oriental are Canlaon City, Ayungon, Manjuyod, Bais City, Tanjay City, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, and Bayawan City. (PNA)