Animal Bureau declares Bird Sanctuary Avian Influenza Virus free

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) confirms that Tacurong Baras Bird Sanctuary is negative from Avian Influenza Virus, following the conduct of Avian Influenza Surveillance conducted in the bird sanctuary last June 10, 2013.

The BAI-Philippine Animal Health Center Laboratory conducted a serological test using 36 bird serum samples collected by the City Veterinary Office during the abovementioned date.

The Baras Bird Sanctuary is home to more than 20,000 black night herons and cattle egrets. The sanctuary is now becoming a popular bird watching destination in Region XII.

“What sets apart Baras Bird Sanctuary from other bird watching destinations is the watchers’ proximity from the birds. Birds are almost within your reach. You don’t need binoculars to see them,” said City Veterinarian Hermenegilda Sanque. “We want both our visitors and the birds protected,” she explained.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Avian Influenza Virus or “H7N9” is a subtype of influenza viruses sometimes found in birds, but that does not normally infect humans. Like all influenza A viruses, there also are different strains of H7N9. Beginning at the end of March 2013, China reported human and bird (poultry) infections with a new strain of H7N9 that is very different from previously seen H7N9 viruses.
Jezereel Billano (LGU-Information)