Two weeks ago we reported on the poultry samples from two farms in Spanish lookout that were tested for avian influenza. Well the results are in and the samples have tested positive for Avian Influenza antibodies.
But don't fret, your chicken and eggs are safe!
A press briefing was held today to reassure the public that: 1.) the actual full-blown virus has not been detected in the samples - so there is no cause for alarm and 2.) The results of this test will not impact supply or price of chicken and eggs. Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Miguel Depaz outlines some of the key measures put in place to ensure that these cases are contained.
Jose Alpuche, CEO - Ministry of Agriculture
"Official results received on Friday 23rd January, confirmed the presence of Avian Influenza H5N2 antibodies in one farm. No live virus has been detected as yet. BAHA's ongoing testing of other farms in the Spanish Lookout community, has detected the presence of AI type A in one additional farm. Samples from this farm has been sent to the OIE reference laboratory for confirmatory test. Presently, these farms are under quarantine and no poultry or poultry products can be taken out of these farms."
Dr. Miguel Depaz, Chief Veterinary Officer
"We have immediately implemented control measures and one of the first measure that we implemented was the precautionary quarantine at the two infected farms and we even are protecting a wider zone by putting three check points at strategic locations which is controlling or restricting the movement of poultry and poultry products and we are even disinfecting trucks that we consider high risks. So, we do have 
control to contain this infection in those two farms. At this time we have not detected in any other farm despite massive sampling. We are not seeing any mortality and we are yet to determine the extent in any, in the population near those two infected farms. It's only until we get all of that information, we will be able to make decision in how to move forward."
About 12,000 high valued birds are infected from these 2 farms in Spanish Lookout - that translates to about $600,000 dollars. Other farms in Blue Creek and Shipyard have been tested but results have shown no sign of infection. BAHA would like to reiterate that poultry products are safe for human consumption and further research and sampling will be carried out at the two farms in Spanish Lookout.
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