CAPIZ – The city government here assured the public that preventive measures have already been taken to prevent the spread of avian influenza (AI) – commonly known as bird flu – and to protect the welfare of the general public.
On Dec. 2, poultry serum and oropharyngeal swab samples from a poultry farm in Barangay Caga, Roxas City tested positive for AI virus type A (IVA) subtype H5N1, based on the laboratory result released by the Bureau of Animal Industry’s Veterinary Laboratory Division.
The said poultry farm is located in an isolated area, away from the populace.
“The Roxas City Veterinary Office, including all support departments and key personnel, in coordination with the Provincial Veterinary Office and other government line agencies, will conduct continuous monitoring to prevent the spread of the virus and to undertake necessary actions or measures to avoid the risk of transmission to humans,” read part of the Roxas City government’s statement.
Mayor Ronnie Dadivas issued Executive Order No. 40 on Dec. 3, 2022, organizing the composition of the Roxas City Avian Influenza Response Team to address the situation.
As an immediate response, the composite team, together with the Department of Agriculture, Provincial Veterinary Office, and Barangay Cagay officials, has so far disposed of and buried 126 layer hens, native chickens and ducks.
Disinfection of the area was conducted. The barangay officials were also tasked with prohibiting the entry of anyone into and around the area./PN
