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Vigilance vs. bird flu sought

BAGUIO CITY (Nov. 9) — Councilor Erdolfo Balajadia is urging residents here to be more vigilant and wary in handling domestic fowls, poultry and migratory birds in face of the bird flu threat in the country.

In a resolution by Balajadia, a conduct of a massive information and education campaign on the disease has been encouraged. Furthermore, the Bird Flu Regional Task Force specified the bird flu hot spots: Brgy. Sinipsip of Bugias, Benguet; Hungduan and Tinoc in Ifugao; and Sagada, Mt. Province.

Based on the presentation of the Department of Health (DOH), the migratory birds came from the Siberian-Manchurian border, which was identified positive of the flu virus.

The flu virus can be also spread through contaminated feeds, water, cages, equipment and clothing, which can affect humans.

According to a previous Nordis research culled from the Wikipedia, the avian influenza, also known as bird flu or avian flu is a type of influenza virus that is hosted by birds, but may infect several species of mammals. A type of the avian influenza (1997 H5N1-type) is identified as the most likely source of future influenza pandemic.

Standard flu tests can detect bird flu in humans but the tests have not always been reliable. Citing cases in Vietnam, the World Health Organization (WHO) claimed that 7 people initially tested negative of the flu were latter found carriers of the disease, though they have recovered.

Antiviral drugs can be effective in preventing and treating the disease, but no virus has ever been really cured in medical history. Vaccines are believed to take four months to produce. However, DOH central office is expected to send Tmiflu drugs to be used for emergency cases. # Aileen P. Refuerzo/PIO, with reports from Rowena Caccam/DzEQ

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