Province creates bird flu task force

A provincial task force seen to prevent any outbreak of the avian influenza here was formed yesterday in compliance with the directive of Agriculture Secretary Domingo Panganiban.

The provincial task force on avian influenza will work on improving information dissemination, leading to the prevention of a bird flu outbreak here.

Agriculture regional director Eduardo Lecciones announced the creation of the task force on the provincial level yesterday during the avian influenza summit held at the social hall of the Capitol.

According to Lecciones, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia will head the task force, while its members will consist of representatives from the different national and local offices.

The task force will be under the supervision of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council. Such move will be replicated in the neighboring provinces of Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental.

Lecciones said that the private sector will also be included in the membership, especially those businesses that will be affected if the deadly bird flu virus hits the province.

Dr. Expedito Medalla of the Department of Health regional office-7 said they are now conducting intensive training and education campaign for the public to know more of the disease and to avoid panic.

Dr. Wivina Pumatong, deputy director for administration of the Bureau of Customs-7, also assured that they are closely monitoring major gateways open to international routes to prevent the entry of bird species coming from affected countries. - Jose P. Sollano