Albay maintains avian influenza-free status

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Albay Veterinary Office (AVO) said the province remains free from avian influenza, despite a reported case earlier this month in neighboring Camarines Norte province.

In an interview on Monday, Dr. Pancho Mella, chief of the Veterinary Office, said there are currently no cases of bird flu across the 15 towns and three cities in Albay province.

"The office is closely monitoring the situation to prevent the disease from entering the province. Our main sources of poultry and birds are from within Albay, particularly due to our poultry farms, as well as from Camarines Sur, so we are confident that all our bird products are safe," he said.

Camarines Norte recently reported its first case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), a severe strain of bird flu.

In response to this situation, Mella said the province has temporarily banned the importation of live birds and poultry products from Camarines Norte.

“Through Executive Order No. 60, issued on Dec. 12 and signed by Albay Acting Governor Baby Glenda Ong-Bongao, all live birds and poultry products from Camarines Norte are temporarily prohibited. This ban includes fresh, chilled, or frozen meat, eggs (both in shell and processed), day-old chicks, processed poultry products (such as sausages and nuggets) and manure,” he said.

Mella added that personnel at the Animal Quarantine Checkpoints oversee operations at strategic entry points to monitor and prevent the illegal entry of restricted items.

"We have established checkpoints at our borders. Local government units (LGUs) are also responsible for reporting any suspicious diseases or deaths among animals," he said.

The AVO urged residents, particularly those who import or raise chickens, to cooperate and comply with the health and safety standards in place to prevent the entry of bird flu into the province. (PNA)