Palace: Stop spreading unverified info on bird flu

Malacañang yesterday appealed to the public not to spread unverified information pertaining to the outbreak and spread of avian influenza or bird flu in parts of Pampanga and Nueva Ecija that may cause undue alarm and panic.

Abella also noted that there has been no report of bird-to-human contamination in the Philippines.

Properly cooked chicken meat and eggs also remain safe to eat, Abella stressed.

He likewise assured the public that the government is closely monitoring developments in Nueva Ecija after the Department of Ag- riculture (DA) confirmed cases of avian influenza or bird flu in the province.

Concerned government officials, Abella said, have been quick in their response, particularly in avian flu investigation and containment activities.

"They have established heightened surveillance and community action teams for detection of other fowl deaths and possible flu cases in humans," Abella said Saturday morning.

"They have likewise established advance command posts in San Nicolas, Pampanga and San Isidro, Nueva Ecija with capacity to respond 24/7," he added.

According to the Palace official, health officers have trained Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel and have provided them with personal protective equipment and prophylaxis medicines good for 10 days, for soldiers who would do the culling.