Authorities in Negros Oriental are closely monitoring at least seven towns and cities against avian influenza, as migratory birds from the cold countries continue to arrive here to escape the winter season.
Dr. Alfonso Tundag, quarantine officer of the Bureau of Animal Industry here, said Thursday they are particularly watching areas regularly visited by migratory birds escaping the cold climate, and areas that have the highest population of ducks.
These areas are Canlaon City, Ayungon, Bais City, Tanjay City, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, and Bayawan City.
Migratory birds are usually found in mangrove areas, rice fields, and fish ponds such as the ones in Bais City and Tanjay City, Dr. Tundag said.
“We conduct regular testing twice a year on blood sampling of fowls from these areas to ensure that they have not been infected by avian influenza,” Tundag said in the vernacular.
The blood testing is done some time at the start of each year and in September, and the samples are sent to a laboratory in Cebu.
So far, the office has not received a single reported case of suspected bird flu or deaths involving ducks or chickens, the official said.
Meanwhile, the Province is also tightening its borders against the entry of ducks and other fowls from areas where avian influenza has been reported, he added. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)
