DA confirms 77 bird flu cases in PH

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has confirmed 77 cases of bird flu in the country, five of which are active.

“Ayon sa pananaliksik ng mga dalubhasa sa Bureau of Animal Industry, ang possible source ng infection ay ang pagkakaroon ng presensiya ng migratory birds,” DA Usec. Ariel Cayanan said during an interview on CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Ngayon.

[“According to experts from the Bureau of Animal Industry, the possible source of the bird flu infection is the presence of migratory birds.”]

During the cold season, infected migratory birds help spread the bird-flu virus to quails, ducks, and chickens along their path, Cayanan explained.

He said bird flu is currently affecting several provinces in Luzon and Mindanao, including Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bataan, Laguna, Camarines Sur, Sultan Kudarat, Benguet, North Cotabato, and Davao del Sur.

He encouraged affected owners to report possible cases and receive indemnification for their loss -- ₱100 for chickens and ducks per head, and ₱15 per head for quails.

The department can draw ₱25 million for the indemnification program through the quick response funds, he added.

Circulars have also been released to regional offices to intensify monitoring and surveillance support for disease.