November 16, 2005

Philippines to receive first bird flu drug shipment 
 

The Philippine government will get its first shipment of the anti-bird flu drug oseltamivir next month, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Tuesday.

The Philippines is free of the deadly H5N1 strain of the bird flu virus, but Duque has warned that "it's just a matter of time" before the country is hit.

He said 7,500 courses-each containing 10 capsules-will arrive in December, a month ahead of schedule, from Swiss drug-maker Roche. Another 2,500 will follow in March, he said.

Duque said officials from the health department and local pharmaceutical company United Laboratories will leave for India next week to look for an Indian manufacturer of the drug, which the Philippine company will repack for local distribution. The company also will donate to a government stockpile, he added.

Since experts believe oseltamivir-marketed as Tamiflu-would be the best defence in the initial phases of any global influenza pandemic, governments and companies have been stockpiling it.

The bird flu virus has killed at least 64 people in Southeast Asia since 2003. Millions of birds have died or been slaughtered as the virus spreads from Asia to Europe.

The Philippines has banned imports of all domestic and wild birds and poultry products from countries affected by the disease. Live birds or eggs that come in will be destroyed.

Officials also have tightened surveillance over 55 swamplands that draw migratory birds. Regular blood tests will be conducted on ducks and chickens in nearby areas.

The government also banned hunting migratory birds, which could become disoriented and come into contact with local birds when shot at.