GUIMARAS – To protect the poultry industry of this island-province, the provincial government ordered a temporary ban on the entry of domestic and captured wild (ornamental) birds, poultry products and by-products from the province of Capiz.
Guimaras acting governor John Edward Gando issued on Friday, Dec. 9, Executive Order (EO) No. 109-2022 on the temporary ban.
He cited a recent report from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 6 that the highly pathogenic avian influenza type A, subtype HSN1, or bird flu virus has been detected in Capiz.
The virus was detected through a test conducted by the Bureau of Animal Industry-Animal Disease Diagnosis Reference Laboratory from samples submitted as part of the field disease investigation/surveillance conducted in Capiz.
In an interview with Panay News, Gando said the ban on the entry of birds and poultry from Capiz is in compliance with DA’s advisory that all concerned must implement preventive and preparedness measures to combat the spread of the bird flu virus.
“Given the ill-effects that this may bring to the birds and to the poultry in general, it is imperative that immediate measures shall be taken to address the concern and prevent the bird flu virus reaching and penetrating the province,” read part of the EO.
Gando, through the EO, also enjoined the Guimaras Police Provincial Office, Philippine Coast Guard, Provincial Law Enforcement and Public Safety Task Force, Provincial Office for Agriculture Services, Provincial Veterinary Office, and municipal mayors concerned in implementing the order.
The acting governor explained that the province’s law enforcers are accustomed in surveilling the island’s ports of entry since they are already in place from few months ago after Iloilo province recorded cases of African Swine Fever.
He, meanwhile, clarified that poultry and poultry products from other provinces in Region 6, like Iloilo, are allowed entry.
Gando also expressed that the ban will take effect until further notice, while Gov. JC Rahman Nava will be meeting with department heads and concerned authorities to come up with adjustments if necessary./PN
