August 23, 2004

 

Philippines' Poultry Remains Free Of Avian Flu

 

The Philippines remains bird flu-free despite the occurrence of a new bird flu outbreak in Malaysia. This has prompted the government to intensify surveillance efforts in bodies of water known to be birds' migration paths.

 

Bureau of Animal Industry Director Jose Q. Molina said Malaysia has already reported its infection of bird flu with the Office International des Epizooties (OIE).

 

"Malaysia already reported infection to the OIE. The infection came from Thailand because the Malaysia has a land border with the country. The infection occurred in the village nearest to the border. We are recommending a ban to (Agriculture) Secretary (Arthur Yap)," he said in an interview.

 

Molina said that the Philippines' risk of infection remains remote as the nation's nearest island to Malaysia is Sabah.

 

"There's no immediate risk at the moment from peninsular Malaysia because Sabah is also free from bird flu," he said.

 

Besides, he said that the Philippines does not import any poultry products from Malaysia.

 

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap that the ban on importation of chicken and poultry products, pet and wild birds from bird-flu-infected countries remains to be in place as part of government's precautionary measure against bird flu contraction.

 

The import bans are now imposed on Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, US, and Canada.

 

BAI together with the Department of Health has been carrying out a surveillance on 20 areas that may be prone to bird flu infection. This includes the Candaba Swamp in Pampanga, Olango Island in Cebu, and Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao.

 

"Authorities are also keeping a tight watch on the country's Southern backdoor to prevent the entry of infected birds," he said.

 

BAI director Jose Q. Molina said it is imperative now for the country to maintain its bird flu-free status. This is because the Philippines has experienced the advantage of exporting its poultry products to Japan, and possibly to other neighbors within one year, as a result of its disease-free status.

 

"Local chicken producers have been able to profit from our bird flu-free status by breaking into the chicken-export market of Japan. At the moment, San Miguel Corp. and RFM Corp. have been able to penetrate the Japan market, with Tyson AgroVentures Inc. following suit soon," Molina said.