CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – As part of the preventive measures of the provincial government to halt the spread of bird flu, Gov. Lilia ‘Nanay’ Pineda appealed to barangay health workers (BHWs) to be vigilant and report flu-like symptoms in their communities.
The governor made this appeal during the assembly attended by some 3,483 BHWs held recently at Lubao Gymnasium and Heroes Hall in this city, respectively.
Gov. Pineda asked the health workers to monitor the health condition of their constituents and advised them to immediately inform authorities if there are people living in areas near the bird flu-affected farms who fall ill and manifest flu-like symptoms.
“Even if the Department of Health (DoH) said that the H5 strain of the avian flu cannot be transferred from chicken to humans, we must still be vigilant and report flu-like symptoms to rural health units or to the nearest district hospitals,” the governor said.
She also asked the BHWs to observe and report cases of dead or sick chickens so it could be inspected and isolated or burned if they are suspected of the dreaded disease.
“Observe your chickens, pigeons, quails, and ducks. See whether they are sick or still alive and report immediately if something is suspicious so we can have them checked,” said Pineda.
The governor stressed that the provincial government is working closely with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to promptly eliminate the problem and revive the poultry industry in the province.
LIEZEL CAYANAN
