Anti bird flu task force rue lack of manpower in checkpoints

IN A bid to come up with possible solution against the Avian Influenza outbreak, the Regional Avian Influenza Task Force and stakeholders recently convened for an emergency meeting.

The lack of manpower among quarantine checkpoints on a 24 hour basis in the Cordillera were among the issues discussed during the meeting attended by representatives from the Local Government Units, City and Provincial Veterinary Offices (PVOs/CVOs), Agricultural Provincial Coordinating Officers (APCOs), Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), RAC-ADCE, DENR, PSA, DepEd, NMIS-RTOC, and private sector such as chicken dung dealers, poultry dealers, and producers.

For strict implementation and to address the issue, the body recommended PNP personnel in the locality will aid in

monitoring.

DA-CAR will also coordinate with the PNP to assist in the enforcement of regulatory laws especially on quarantine.

The task force recommended shippers of poultry products including chicken dung to secure shipping permits issued by BAI and health certificates from a government veterinarian in compliance to the rules of quarantine checkpoints.

BAI will implement revocation of handler’s license and certificate of registry for transport carrier to delinquent shippers.

Also, DA-CAR will coordinate with BAI through its National Veterinary Quarantine Services (NVQS) to identify and validate all entry points for possible additional checkpoints.

Dr. Lorenzo M. Caranguian, OIC regional executive director of DA-CAR emphasized the review of quarantine checkpoints in CAR, availability of drugs and biologics, protocol on reporting such cases, and to strengthen information campaign.

In addition, DA-CAR through the Livestock Program is also strengthening its information education by posting updates through social medias, briefers and other necessary information were sent out to the different provincial agricultural offices. DA-CAR release