Bird flu detected in Ilocos Norte

 (REUTERS/File Photo)

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte—Bird flu, or highly pathogenic avian influenza Type A, was detected in Ilocos Norte among free-range chickens which were distributed to beneficiaries of a government program in the province.

In a public advisory on Saturday, Oct. 29, the provincial government said that the chickens tested positive for the virus after they were distributed by the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 1 (DA-RFO1) on Oct. 20 to beneficiaries of the Balik Probinsya 2 Program.

“Several days later [after the distribution], the chickens’ RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) test results yielded positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Type A (H5N1), commonly known as Bird Flu,” the provincial government said.

Without mentioning the areas where the chickens were distributed, the provincial government said that the local government units (LGUs) concerned were already informed as surveillance and disinfection were carried out to contain the spread of the virus.

H5N1 is deadly to animals and it is possible that it could infect humans and cause serious diseases, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Farmers were asked to coordinate with local agriculture offices for any poultry mortality, while residents exhibiting influenza-like symptoms should seek medical attention at local health offices.

LGUs were also asked to “conduct information education campaign regarding Avian Influenza in unaffected areas.”

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