Ilocos Norte has been officially declared free of Avian Influenza or bird flu, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
In February of this year, the DA identified Region I as one of the nine (9) regions that recorded cases of infection. The towns of Sarrat, Bacarra, Pasuquin, and Laoag City were classified as affected areas of the said virus.
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Loida Valenzuela explained that upon detection of the virus, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) created teams that were assigned for disease mapping and laboratory surveillance in order to contain and mitigate the further spread of the infection.
As a result of the surveillance, eight (8) towns in the first district of the province were identified as areas of concern. The Provincial Government held cleaning and disinfection activities in the affected areas, and in the latter days of October, the infected poultry farms were cleared of bird flu infection.
“We are happy to report that we are now cleared of bird flu. All the documents to support our HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza)-free status have been prepared,” Dr. Valenzuela announced before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on November 13.
In order to prevent the reentry of the said virus, PGIN tightened safety and control measures at its borders. This is also to ensure that the transport of live poultry, table eggs, and other poultry products or by-products are not infected with bird flu, and are safe to consume.
Moreover, the Provincial Veterinary Office is constantly coordinating with city and municipal livestock inspectors and coordinators in monitoring hog farms, wet markets, and groceries for proper inspection.
Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc remains committed to retaining the “bird flu-free” status of the province by reminding the Ilokano community, particularly livestock raisers, to abide with disease preventive measures of the provincial government. —Jesusa Mae S. Sumaoang, Laurence Alfred R. Espejo, and Webster M. Agarpao—PGIN-CMO Interns
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