BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The temporary total ban on entry of all live domestic and wild birds, and their products, from all regions nationwide took effect yesterdayin Negros Occidental, and will last until March 15 this year, as stipulated in the executive order issued yesterday by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
This was after the Department of Agriculture, through its Animal Disease Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory of Bureau of Animal Industry, reported that affected birds in Bulacan and Pampanga tested positive of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza strain, known as Bird Flu.
Bird flu is an infectious type of influenza that spread among birds.
The temporary total ban on products of live domestic and wild birds, include also poultry meat, day old chicks, eggs and semen, as well as manure.
Lacson said that the banning is aimed at protecting the poultry industry of Negros Occidental and the general public from the ill effects of the bird flu disease.
He directed the Provincial Veterinarian Office to set up quarantine checkpoints in the possible entry points in Negros Occidental, as well as for local chief executives to strengthen biosafety, hygiene and sanitation standards in slaughter houses, public markets and poultry farms, in their respective areas.*
