The Sangguniang Panlalawigan expressed its willingness to pass any legislation that will support the move to contain the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus subtype (H5N1) commonly called Bird Flu that strikes the province of South Cotabato.
Vice-Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. said that the SP would readily act on the matter whenever necessary.
“However, the municipality of Tantangan has not declared under the state of calamity yet,” Pingoy said,
Based on the guidelines, at least three municipalities are necessary to declare under the “state of calamity” in order to release its Quick Response Fund (QRF).
Earlier this week, the Provincial Veterinary Office reported that at least 81,000 chickens were depopulated and culled at the nearby poultry farm located at Brgy. Magon, Tantangan town due to the presence of the Avian Influenza.
Damages have reached Php35-50 million, the PVET reports.
Provincial Veterinarian Flora Bigot said their five-day operation on de population has concluded, as well as the surveillance to a 1 km radius as a quarantine zone.
This week, they will start another 7km surveillance and random blood sampling on backyard poultry.
Bigot said the Department of Agriculture is set to release its QRF while the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) will provide indemnity if the affected individuals are insured.
“I am hopeful this infection will be contained.” Bigot said,
PVET urges anyone to report to the nearest Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) any manifestation of symptoms on their fowls.
