Pangasinan is avian influenza-free province

(Photo Courtesy by Northbound Philippines News Online)

Dr. Eric Jose Perez, the provincial veterinarian, confirmed that Pangasinan is avian influenza-free province on August 14.

Dr. Perez cleared that it is safe to consume chicken meats and quarantine alert is being implemented to avoid the entrance of shipments from Pampanga where the first case of bird flu outbreak was reported when 200,000 chickens and ducks were infected. The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet) also conducted an intensive information dissemination campaign to keep the public well-informed and urged the people to practice proper hygiene at all times.

Perez also confirmed that the province has enough supply of chicken. According to pangasinan.gov.ph, Vice Governor Calimlim warned the public to remain calm but be vigilant. The Department of Agriculture also stated that the country, still, is not yet bird-flu free.