Environment Agency to Test for Avian Flu Seized Philippine Birds Special

MANILA – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has set for next week the testing for avian flu of over 200 wild fowls seized by National of Bureau of Investigation (NBI) from a trader and his five companions last month.

The birds were confiscated in Southern Mindanao by a joint team composed of environment and detective elements from the two agencies. Jim Sampulna, DENR executive director for Region XI, said the birds, presently quarantined at the Bureau of Animal Industry, would be tested by the Regional Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, an agency under the Department of Agriculture. If the tests would show the fowls are negative from birds flu, he said, they would be placed under the temporary care of the Davao Crocodile Park Inc. (DCPI) in Davao City. Testing of the birds, Confiscated by authorities were rare birds, valued at over P2 million ($42,555–U.S.), that included the chattering lorry, brahminy kite, green-naped parrot, and yellow-crested cockatoo, and endangered animals such as the monitor lizard, viper, sugar glider, and cuscos. Charges for violations of the Section 32 of the Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act,” are set for filing against the suspects and the owner of the residence where the birds were kept. “DENR is against the burning and killing of these birds,” Sampulna said, “but if proven positive with bird flu, we have to prioritize the safety and health of the people. For the meantime, we have to keep them alive.” The director divulged that if the birds were found to have no diseases, they would be returned to the wild, while those who are still considered weak would be rehabilitated in a rescue center until they have recovered. The government does not keep estimates on the value of birds smuggled yearly, but the authorities admit that trading of birds, especially rare and endangered species, is a big threat to the bird population and affects tourism and indigenous livelihood potentials dependent on forest resources.