E. Visayas steps up defense vs bird flu

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Eastern Visayas regional office (DENR-8) is on alert for migratory birds which may carry the avian influenza or bird flu virus which struck Pampanga and Nueva Ecija in Luzon.

The spread of the bird flu virus to Nueva Ecija was confirmed by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol last Friday.

As this developed, DENR-8 has stepped up its drive in monitoring the migratory birds in the region and the information, communication and education on the danger may cause by the migratory birds on the spread of the bird flu virus.

DENR-8 Regional Director Leonardo Sibbaluca told the Manila Bulletin that although Eastern Visayas is still bird flu-free, he has ordered a team from the DENR-8 wildlife section to closely monitor the presence of migratory birds.

Sibbaluca likewise reiterated his call for the bird watchers in the region to be very vigilant and careful on the migratory birds and cautioned them not to approach or touch any dead wild birds.

Dr. Leo V. Mira, 57, regional head of the veterinary quarantine service of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, told Manila Bulletin linked the bird flu cases in Pampanga and Nueva Ecija to migratory birds in the Candaba swamps.