Despite the bird flu-free status of Oriental Negros and the Philippines, the public should still be informed about the preventive measures against the disease, Oriental Negros provincial veterinarian Antonio Mutia said.

Mutia said national agriculture and health officials also believe that, although the country remains free from the deadly avian flu virus, the threat of infection, continues to loom.

The Bureau of Animal Industry reported that the Philippines is literally surrounded by countries already infected by the virus, that has already left in its trail a total of 273 human deaths while poultry losses have been pegged at $95.754 million as of February 2007.

In the Asian region, only Brunei, Singapore and the Philippines remain free from the virus, Dr. Rose Antegro of the Bureau of Animal Industry in Manila, said. Antegro said it is no luck that the country is bird flu-free as the concerted efforts of government agencies and various stakeholders to prevent the incursion of the disease here have succeeded in keeping the killer virus H5N1- the most dangerous strain of influenza A virus - off the Philippine shores.

Even if Oriental Negros is not identified as a bird flu hotspot, Mutia said his office plans to conduct a stepped up avian flu information drive in the three districts with their target audience the key players in the towns and cities, who will disseminate the information to the barangay levels.

Mutia said he has conducted an information campaign in selected areas such as the cities of Tanjay and Bais, areas where there are wetlands, that attract migratory birds.

Trained field men of the Provincial Veterinary Office also continue to conduct blood sampling here, he added.

As a preventive measure, Mutia urged homeowners not to place chicken, ducks and pigs together in one area, cage or pen, which is a common practice among local residents.

He also advised the public to immediately report to their local agriculture officer if they notice unusual symptoms among their chickens and other birds.

Executive Order 280 issued on February 5, 2004, created the Avian Influenza Protection Program and the National Avian Influenza Task Force.

Under the AIPP, a ban on importation of all poultry products from infected countries was imposed while laboratory equipment for AI diagnosis were upgraded and all technical staff trained on routine AI diagnosis.

A total of 14,046 blood samples and 2,514 cloacal swabs from native/game fowls, chickens, ducks from 16 regions, 54 provinces, 158 towns, 19 cities and 286 barangays across the country have been collected as of December 31, 2006, the BAI reports added.

All samples were tested and results showed that they were negative for AI.*RG

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