From The Manilla Bulletin
Spread of bird-flu virus feared
By BINGO CADABONA
STA. FE, Nueva Vizcaya — Environmentalists have raised concern about the possible entry of the dreaded avian influenza or bird flu in Nueva Vizcaya as they sought a stop to the practice of bird trapping in the mountains in this province.
Dr. Diomedes Anuma, who is in charge of the information, education, and communication at the provincial veterinary office, said that while the number of bird trappers or “mag-aakik” in this town has gone down, bird trapping has spread to the towns of Kayapa and Dupax del Sur, both of this province.
“There is a need to create provincial, municipal and barangay task forces which would serve as front-liners in their areas once the disease enters the province,” Anuma said.
He said there is a need to formulate a Barangay Preparedness and Response Plan so that the roles and responsibilities of the member-agencies will be defined.
Anuma said these actions should likewise be done in the towns of Solano, Bayombong, Bagabag, Kayapa, and Dupax del Sur because these serve as bird sanctuaries that could become the entry point of bird flu in the province.
The birds usually seek sanctuary in the Philippines to escape the cold weather in nearby foreign countries.
Mayor Florante Gerdan said, however, that a barangay ordinance is being worked out covering the councils and villages of Imugan, Canabuan, Malico, Tactac, and Bantinan.
The practice of bird trapping in the province is prohibited not only because of its threat to bird conservation and protection but also because this could cause the spread of the avian-influenza virus. Direct contact with the infected birds could cause the infection of birds and even humans.
Conservationists have on occasion had a unique concern and perspective on avian influenza. Perspectives and concerns that are not always unfounded. Understanding and cooperation are necessary wherever birds and humans intersect as long as the threat from H5N1 exists, as much for the protection of people as for the birds.
