LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture has declared the province of Ilocos Norte free of Avian Influenza or bird flu.
“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,” said Dr. Loida Valenzuela, Provincial Veterinarian.
In February, the agriculture department identified Region 1 as among the nine regions that recorded cases of infection.
In Ilocos Norte, the towns of Bacarra, Sarrat, Pasuquin, and Laoag City were classified as affected areas of the said virus.
Upon the detection of the virus, Valenzuela said the provincial government created teams that were assigned for disease mapping and laboratory surveillance to contain and mitigate the further spread of the infection.
There were eight towns in the first district of the province that were identified as areas of concern after the surveillance.
Because of this, cleaning and disinfection activities in the affected areas were facilitated by the provincial government.
In order to maintain its bird flu-free status, tightened safety and control measures are implemented at the province’s borders.
This is to ensure that the transport of live poultry, table eggs, and other poultry products or by-products are not infected of bird flu and are safe to consume.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Veterinary Office ensures constant coordination with the city and municipal livestock inspectors and coordinators in the monitoring of hog farms, wet markets, and groceries for proper inspection. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)
