The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian is keeping a close watch on migratory birds entering Negros Occidental to prevent the spread of Avian influenza or bird flu.
Bird flu can infect domestic poultry, other animals and even humans, Dr. Placeda Lemana, provincial veterinarian, said on Thursday, Nov. 30.
Migratory birds usually arrive in the Philippines in December to February, when its winter in other countries, she said.
They are closely monitoring Sipalay City where the migratory birds are seen and are taking blood samples as a safety precaution, Lemana said.
In the past migratory birds were also spotted in San Enrique, Himamaylan City and Bago City but now they usually go to Sipalay City, she said.
Negros Occidental does not allow the entry of eggs and poultry from areas in Luzon and Mindanao that have active cases of bird flu, Lemana said.
There is no vaccine against bird flu, she pointed out.
Avian influenza A viruses are very contagious among birds, and some of these viruses can sicken and even kill certain domesticated bird species, including chickens and ducks.*