Deal inked to keep GenSan bird flu-free
By Aquiles Zonio
Mindanao Bureau
First Posted 18:04:00 11/14/2008
Filed Under: Animals, Diseases, Health
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines—Business groups here signed an agreement with the city government earlier this week in a bid to help protect the city's status as a bird flu-free area.
The agreement was part of a US-funded project aimed at reinforcing public awareness on the deadly disease in three identified areas—Minalin in Pampanga, Negros Occidental and General Santos City.
The project sites were chosen due to their unique characteristics making them at risk for bird flu, an animal infection caused by the HSN1 virus.
Minalin is known for its large-scale poultry industry, Negros Occidental is noted for its gamefowl breeding industry and General Santos City is home to large-scale fishing firms, whose fishermen have direct contact with Indonesia, one of the countries hard-hit by bird flu.
Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. emphasized the vital role that fishing operators play in preventing bird flu from entering the city.
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