Gov’t reactivates bird flu task force after resurgence in Pampanga town

MANILA, Philippines — The National Avian Influenza Task Force has been reactivated following the resurgence of avian influenza, or bird flu, in a town in Pampanga province to strengthen efforts in containing its spread.

This information was stated in the Resolution No. 60 by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases released Thursday.

Under the resolution, the Department of Agriculture (DA) was directed to do “sustained monitoring and surveillance of the Avian Influenza (H5N6) and its possible effects on humans.”

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) earlier said it detected H5N6 Avian flu, or “bird flu” in San Luis, Pampanga.

Some 39,000 egg-producing chickens were reported culled and disposed of to curb the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, IATF urged DA to also intensify its information campaign that “chicken meat and eggs are safe for consumption.”

Further, it encouraged the public to report poultry mortalities to their respective local government units, DA’s regional field offices, or BAI.

KGA