LINGAYEN—Authorities in Pangasinan assured the people that there is no cause to panic following the confirmation by the Department of Health (DOH) that the bird flu strain that hit poultry farms in San Luis, Pampanga is transferable from fowls to humans.

Provincial Veterinarian Eric Perez said there is nothing to fear as entry of bird, chicken or fowl or their bi-products from Pampanga into the province is still restricted and the strict implementation of quarantine regulations remains.

Besides, he said, the H5N6 discovered in San Luis, Pampanga is a low pathogenic strain that cannot severely and easily affect humans, unlike the more lethal H1N1 strain that hit China many years back.

He said amid the confirmation of the bird flu strain that hit Pampanga, it is still safe to eat chicken and eggs, including “balut” and salted eggs but these must be cooked thoroughly.

He reiterated that all chicken and eggs being sold in the markets today are produced locally.

Meanwhile, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Anna De Guzman has confirmed that no person in Pangasinan is affected by the H5N6 strain of bird flu.

Those really at risk, she said, are the poultry workers in the infected poultry farms.

She said only persons that come in contact with the infected chicken and inhale their feces and droplets may be affected.

Among the symptoms of bird flu in human includes fever, colds, cough, difficulty in breathing and diarrhea among others.

At the same time, the sale of dressed chicken in the markets of Dagupan have reportedly hit an all-time low. (Leonardo Micua) 

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments