Negros Occidental Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Renante Decena yesterday reminded the public to be cautious about the avian influenza or bird flu viruses that are mostly carried by migratory birds as these diseases are now spreading in Asian countries like China and Vietnam.

However, Decena also assured the public that Negros Occidental is free from bird flu based on the continuous monitoring and inspection conducted by PVO.

Decena said the PVO has been conducting disease-monitoring in Brgy. Suay and Brgy. Sarait in Himamaylan City and Brgy. Tibsuk, San Enrique town as these are critical areas for migratory birds identified by the National Bird Flu Task Force of the Philippines.

The province is also strengthening its provincial biosecurity activities like quarantine inspection of incoming shipments from China, Cambodia, and Vietnam, he said.

They also provided footbath at sea and airports as passengers from other countries or provinces might be carriers of bird flu, he added.

Decena also asked the public to be very vigilant and careful as the bird flu virus can be transmitted to humans through contaminated dust and soil, bird droppings, contaminated feeds, equipment, and bird cages.

Among the symptoms of bird flu are cough, sore throat, fever, eye infections, and muscle pain that can lead to acute respiratory distress and pneumonia, he added.*LTG         

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