THE Department of Agriculture (DA) pointed to migratory birds as the cause of the bird flu outbreak in some duck and quail farms in Central Luzon.
This was announced by DA Secretary William Dar during the Laging Handa public briefing.
According to Dar, today is the season when migratory birds from other countries arrive in the country and causes problems such as bird flu.
The DA executed an immediate response and culled out all affected ducks and quail farms while affected growers were given financial assistance with an equivalent amount to the animals they lost so that raisers will be able to start again
The agri chief said biosafety protocols need to be strengthened to effectively put a stop to the virus.
To prevent bird flu virus from spreading further to other parts of the country, there should be proper coordination between quarantine offices of each province and they should know the protocols that need to be followed and implemented.
The DA chief added that the identified avian influenza virus H5N1 is also a threat to the health of people.
The DA earlier issued Memorandum Circulars stating the guidelines on the movement and surveillance of birds and poultry products amid the avian influenza outbreak.
The movement of all forms and types of live birds, doves, game fowl and ducks from Luzon toing to Region 4-B, Visayas and Mindanao were temporarily suspended.