Following the confirmed bird flu cases in Luzon provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga, Mayor Beng Climaco has issued an executive order, implementing a temporary total ban on the entry to Zamboanga City of all species of live birds (poultry and non-poultry), including day-old chicks, pullet, table egges, salted eggs, among others.

The temporary total ban also covers ready-to-lay pullets, ducks and quail, embryonated, locally known as “balut”, manure and others products and by-products from mainland Luzon and other Avian Influenza-affected areas.

Mayor Beng Climaco signed Executive Order 720 last March 16, providing therein the one month temporary ban period from March 16 to April 15, 2022.

The mayor’s directive came after the birds, ducks and quails in Bulacan and Pampanga farms had tested positive for the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus subtype H5N1, commonly known as bird flu.

The test was conducted Feb. 22 by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)-Animal Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory (BAI-ADDRL).

The confirmatory test was officially reported to the World Health Organization for Animal Health (OIE), pursuant to Chapter 10.4 of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

Climaco stressed in EO 720 that the avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease caused by Influenza “A” virus affecting several species of food producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc.) as well as pet and wild birds.

Reports disclosed that other provinces in Luzon like Laguna and Camarines Sur had also recorded confirmed cases of AI, while some provinces were still under surveillance and testing.

As this developed, the Zamboanga City Livestock and Poultry Board (ZCLPB) has passed Resolution No. 2022-02 “Avian Influenza Advisory.”

Under the EO 720, the public is requested to report unusual sickness and mortality of poultry birds, ducks, pet birds to the nearest OCVET Veterinary Services Field Offices.

Likewise, the public is requested to avoid contact with resident, wild or migratory birds found in their areas, and not to handle and consume poultry birds, ducks, quails which have died from unknown causes.

Strict border control and quarantine inspection shall be imposed at all entry points of the city—sea, land and air in Zamboanga City.

All barangay chairpersons, barangay biosafety officers, OCVET-Veterinary Biosafety Officers are directed to strengthen and implement minimum biosecurity measures in their respective area of jurisdiction.-(Vic Larato)