Antique Conducts Bird Flu Surveillance Amid Migratory Season

Sibalom, Antique-The Provincial Veterinary Office (ProVet) in Antique has initiated a comprehensive bird flu surveillance effort, collecting 180 blood samples from chickens, waterfowl, and other livestock. This proactive measure, conducted from August 13 to 15 in the municipality of Sibalom, aims to monitor and prevent the spread of avian influenza, particularly during the migratory season.

According to Philippines News agency, chief of the Public Health Division at ProVet, the testing, done in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and the Municipal Agriculture Office, is crucial given the current migratory patterns of birds from the northern hemisphere. The collected samples have been sent to the DA Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, with results expected within the next few days. Dr. Ardamil emphasized the importance of this testing phase, especially since the region has observed an influx of migratory birds, known carriers of the avian influenza virus, which could pose a threat not only to poultry but also to human health.