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“BIRD
FLU” ALERT!!!
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The
onset of the cold season has caused the resurgence of the
avian influenza or “bird flu” virus.
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Avian
flu or “bird flu” is a very contagious disease
caused by viruses that normally infect only birds. But the
virus has since mutated it is now causing infections or
even death to poultry and human. Latest reports indicate
that the disease has already claimed 61 human lives in various
Asian countries since 2003.
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The
Philippines remains “bird flu-free.” But this
should not make us complacent. We have to exert extra effort
to prevent the virus from entering the country. The Department
of Environment and Natural Resources, together with the
Departments of Agriculture and Health, is on top of the
government campaign against the disease. But we need the
cooperation of everyone to ensure that we remain “bird-flu”
free. One way to safeguard our lives and properties from
the deadly virus is to arm ourselves with correct information
about the virus and not dwell on rumors.
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WHAT
ARE THE FACTS ABOUT THE “BIRD FLU” VIRUS?
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There
are many subtypes of the avian flu or “bird flu” virus.
The subtype spreading across Asia and causing tremendous damage
to life and livelihood is the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
(HPAI) known as the H5N1 strain. |
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The
HPAI is a result of the mutation of the so-called Low Pathogenic
Avian Influenza (LPAI), a kind of virus that is naturally occurring
or present in domestic poultry being kept in large numbers and
under unhygienic conditions. |
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Humans
and domestic fowl exposed or infected with HPAI spread the virus
among domestic flocks rapidly. The pattern of spread of the
HPAI suggests that the virus is carried by people transporting
poultry, and possibly, by wild birds coming from affected countries.
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While
there are no reported cases yet of the virus being transmitted
by migratory birds directly to humans, these migratory birds
are considered potential carrier of the deadly virus. In fact,
wild ducks have been found to be carrier of the virus, although
they are resistant to the disease. |
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Recurrent
outbreaks of the HPAI in poultry have already resulted in the
culling of several hundred million chickens, ducks and other
poultry as a control measure to stop its spread in various parts
of the world.
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In
the case of migratory birds, however, culling is not an option.
This is regarded not only as counterproductive but it can also
lead to deployment of more individuals that can possibly increase
the risks of human exposure, mutation of the virus, and spread
of the virus to and from domestic poultry. |
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WHAT
SHOULD BE DONE?
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Prevent
direct or indirect contact of domestic flocks with migratory
birds and waterfowls by keeping them inside the poultry farmhouses;
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Prevent
direct contact with discharges from migratory birds and waterfowls,
especially feces and respiratory secretions. The disease can
spread easily through contaminated feed, water, cages, equipment,
and clothing; |
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Do
not catch migratory birds; |
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Do
not buy exotic birds from the black market; |
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Vaccination
of birds in breeding farms is highly recommended. |
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Report
to DENR for birds, or to DA for domestic poultry suspected to
be infected with the virus. |
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SIGNS
AND SYMPTOMS OF A SICK BIRD
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•
Swollen legs
• Sneezing, coughing, with nasal discharges
• With fever, diarrhea
• Lost appetite
• Excessive thirst
• Crown and wattle turn purple
• Ruffled feathers
• Sudden death |
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SIGNS
AND SYMPTOMS OF HUMAN INFECTED WITH “BIRD FLU”
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Once
a person is exposed to an infected poultry, the patient
may develop the following:
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•
Fever;
• Body weakness or muscle pain;
• Cough;
• Sore throat;
• Difficulty in breathing (in severe cases);
• Sore eyes |
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CONTROL
MEASURES INSTITUTED BY DENR
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•
Indefinite suspension on the processing and issuance of wildlife
import permits for exotic birds coming from 11 countries with
reported cases of bird flu incidents such as Cambodia, China,
Hongkong, Japan, Laos, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand,
Taiwan and Vietnam. •
Strict monitoring of major airports and seaports by the DENR,
in close coordination with the DA-Bureau of Animal Industry
Quarantine Inspectors/Officers.
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Strict monitoring of entry of wild birds coming from Indonesia
through the ports of General Santos City, Davao City and Zamboanga
City.
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Deployment of DENR Wildlife Monitoring Teams in bird sanctuaries
like Olango Island, Candaba swamp, Liguasan Marsh and other
55 wetland areas nationwide.
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Let’s
all act to keep the Philippines “bird-flu”
free!!! For
questions and inquiries, call DENR
hotline: 925-8952
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