January 31, 2007

Philippines still bird flu-free but threat remains

The Philippines remains free of the bird flu virus but authorities issued a nationwide alert to remain vigilant due to the presence of migratory birds in sanctuaries particularly in the Candaba swamp in the province of Pampanga.

Dr Laarni Cabantac, assistant coordinator of the National Avian Influenza Task Force told the Philippine Star Daily that the threat of avian influenza still remains as the dreaded disease continues to hound Asian countries such as Vietnam, Japan and Indonesia.

Cabantac said adequate measures, including information dissemination and frequent inspection and monitoring of poultry farms, must be in place even if there are no bird flu cases reported yet.

Though the epidemic hasn't struck the country yet, Cabantac emphasised the importance of acquiring all the information regarding bird flu and its effect to humans.

The bird flu virus may be transmitted through direct contact with infected birds. To ensure that chicken is safe to eat, it must be boiled at 74 degrees Celsius so any virus would be killed.

As added protection, Cabantac said the government has banned meat imports from countries affected by bird flu such as China.

She said three Asian countries -- Brunei, Singapore and the Philippines -- remain bird flu-free.