GUZMAN holding a dialogue with local farmers. (LGU Kabacan)
KIDAPAWAN CITY – The local government of Kabacan in Cotabato province has temporarily banned the entry of all live domestic poultry, grazing ducks, wild birds, and other avian species due to reported resurgence of bird flu in neighboring areas.
Kabacan Mayor Evangeline Pascua-Guzman issued an executive order on Thursday, Oct. 23, after the Bureau of Animal Industry-Animal Disease Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory confirmed positive cases in Barangays Bagontapay and Buayan in the neighboring town of M’lang, Cotabato.
The ban also covers wild (ornamental) birds, day-old chicks, semen, eggs, and other poultry products, Guzman said.
Guzman added the ban aims to ensure the safety of the poultry industry in the municipality as well as protect the general public.
The mayor reminded that the movement of grazing ducks in all regions is strictly prohibited under Bureau of Animal Industry Memorandum Circular No. 43 released in 2022.
However, a veterinary health certificate (VHC) is required for the movement of game fowls, pigeons, broiler chickens, and captured wild birds to certify that they were sourced from farms with no incidence of avian influenza, the order added.
Guzman convened poultry growers in the municipality and explained the importance of the ban.
The mayor appealed to the farmers to cooperate with the local government to protect the local poultry industry.
In the neighboring town of Matalam, Cotabato, the local government urged constituents, particularly farmers who are tending chickens, ducks, and quails, to be vigilant against bird flu.
The local government discouraged the entry of different avian species in the locality if they do not have the required permits.
Like Kabacan, the local government of Matalam also requires a negative blood sample of any avian before a certificate of acceptance will be issued.
The local government asked residents to report to the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist symptoms of bird flu such as sudden death, low energy and appetite, decreased egg production, and swelling or purple discoloration of the head, comb, wattles, and legs.
The provincial government of Cotabato cautioned the public, particularly farmers, on the resurgence of bird flu.
It urged the public to cooperate to prevent the spread of the deadly avian disease.