RP says it is free from bird flu<\/p>\n
PHILIPPINES: The Philippines said on Monday that it was still
\nfree of the H5N1 virus after tests conducted on ducks infected by
\na low-risk strain of bird flu turned out to be negative for the
\ndeadly strain.<\/p>\n
According to the Agriculture and Health departments, \"no
\nactive infection\" was found in the duck samples sent to the
\nAustralian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL).<\/p>\n
\"The Philippines is free from any highly pathogenic avian
\ninfluenza as confirmed by the AAHL,\" the departments said in a
\njoint statement.<\/p>\n
On July 8, the government announced that a \"weak strain\" of
\nbird flu was detected in three ducks in a backyard farm in
\nCalumpit town, Bulacan province, just north of Manila.<\/p>\n
The government said the lab found the ducks were exposed to \"a
\nlow pathogenic avian virus, but their natural immune systems
\napparently eliminated the low-risk flu strain\".<\/p>\n
The Philippines had voluntarily suspended poultry exports
\nafter the discovery of the infection in Calumpit.<\/p>\n
The government said the Bureau of Animal Industry was also
\nlifting a 3-kilometer-radius quarantine imposed around the farm
\nbut assured the public that routine surveillance would continue.<\/p>\n
The Philippines is the only country in Asia with a significant
\npoultry industry not affected by H5N1. It has stepped up measures
\nto keep the virus out. -- DPA<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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