DA: Caraga poultry products remain bird-flu free
By Emmylou T. Presilda
BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 20 - The Department of
Agriculture (DA) - Caraga on Sunday assured the public that poultry products in
the region remain safe from avian influenza.
According to the DA-Caraga, the reported incident
yesterday, August 19, where 15 ducks of a certain resident from Purok 3A,
Barangay Holy Redeemer, this city, died has already been investigated. The DA
report said that their personnel from the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic
Laboratory headed by Chief Veterinarian Esther B. Cardeno quickly responded and
went to the area and conducted a thorough investigation and further advise the
owner on what to do to prevent further deaths of their ducks.
The initial diagnosis of the team revealed that the
cause of death of said animals is the lack of oxygen considering the congested
area and overpopulation of the ducks. Water, which is important in raising
ducks is not abundant in the area, it was learned. According to the owner, the
ducks were only confined in their area and has not had any contact with other
feathered animals outside their backyard.
Signs of death is far from the symptoms that could
point to avian influenza but further test shall be conducted by the DA to rule
out the exact cause of its death.
Meanwhile, DA would like to ask the public to
remain calm but be vigilant and report any unusual death of feathered animals
such as poultry and ducks.
The DA also requests Caraganons to refrain from
spreading false and unverified information so as not to create panic. Kindly
contact the nearest Municipal/City Agriculture Office or the DA at telephone
numbers 342-4092 for assistance. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
