Mindanao is still free from the Avian Influenza Virus but this has not prevented the Department of Agriculture from focusing on preventive measures.
“ Mini-maintain natin yung sa prevention, mag-maintain tayo ng strict biosecurity measures, so dapat may disinfection,” said Dr. Dannie Apello, DA spokesperson for Avian Flu at the Mindanao Wide Avian Influenza conference held at Apo view Hotel on Thursday.
He said the preventive measures includes the quarantine checkpoints established at the identified entry points.
In Sulop, Davao del Sur, the responsible agencies included the Veterinary Quarantine Services (VQS), the provincial veterinarian and the local government units.
The identified entry point in Kinuskusan, Sulop is manned by personnel of the VQS, Provincial veterinary office and the local government units.
In Davao Del Norte, the municipality of Talaingod is an identified entry point and is monitored by a composite team from the VQS, the veterinary office and the LGUs.
In Davao Oriental, Boston and is the indentified entry point and the responsible agencies are VQS, PVET and LGU. In Compostella Valley, Monkayo and Laak are the identified entry point and the agencies responsible are VQS,PVET AND LGU In the area. In Davao Occidental, Sta. Maria is the identified entry point and the responsible agencies are the VQS, PVET and LGU- Sta. Maria and in Davao City, Buda and Lumondao are the identified entry points and the responsible agencies are VQS, PVET AND LGU.
The coordinated effort is based on a preparedness plan prepared by the The DA Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) Avian Flu Focal, Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Local Government unit are in-charge of the lab Serological surveillance, the National Meat Inspection Services are in-charge of issuing certificate of inspection of poultry meat and products.
The Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines are responsible for the enforcement of regulations.
The VQS is responsible for the putting of up of checkpoints and biosecurity, the issue of shipping permits and veterinary health certificates.
On the other hand, the Department of Health is responsible for Surveillance of Humans while the Department of Natural Resources and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer are responsible for monitoring of wild birds.
The castguard is responsible for Coastal monitoring Fowl Smuggling.
The Philippine Information Agency, Department of Education, Reception and Action Center, Regional Advisory Council- Animal Disease Control and Emergency are responsible for conducting community assemblies and the Department of Agriculture, Local Government Unit and Private sectors are responsible for the implementation of prescribed minimum biosecurity measures and Conduct of periodic identification and consolidate data in poultry population, kinds and location.
The collection of blood samples and Oral-pharyngeal swabs from poultry animals is still on going up until the end of September. “Hindi basta basta nakukuha ang result, after collection dadalhin sa laboratory then i-process ang samples, and then ipapadala namin sa laboratory na may capacity to diagnose bird flu,” said Apello.
The big poultry farm owners are compliant with the biosecurity requirements set by the government however some backyard level poultry farmers are having difficulty in implementing the biosecurity in their farms.
