Zamboanga bans entry of poultry, livestock products

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines —  Entry of poultry and livestock products in this city has been suspended following reported outbreaks of avian influenza in three towns in nearby Zamboanga Sibugay.

Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso issued an executive order to prevent contamination of the local poultry.

Olaso said the Bureau of Animal Industry, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, confirmed on May 15 that ducks in Diplahan town tested positive for H5N1, a prominent strain of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.

The ban – particularly on poultry and livestock products from the towns of Buug, Diplahan and Imelda – was based on recommendations of the office of the city veterinarian.

Olaso directed city veterinarian Arcadio Cavan to enforce border biosecurity protocols and verify documents from incoming poultry and livestock products.

Cavan gave assurance that poultry products in the city are safe and free from avian influenza.

City health officer Dulce Amor Miravite said the virus could infect humans, especially those with close contact with fluids of infected poultry.