The Negros Oriental Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) is strengthening its monitoring of migratory birds and other fowls to prevent the entry of avian influenza or bird flu in the province, an official said yesterday.

This developed after Governor Jorge Carlo Reyes issued last week a new executive order detailing guidelines on the entry of all live wild and domestic birds and their by-products to the province from areas affected by bird flu.

PVO operations chief Ophelia Felisilda told the Philippine News Agency that Executive Order No. 24, series of 2023, signed on April 18, repealed a similar order issued by the late Governor Roel Degamo, and introduced new provisions amid reports of cases of the A1 AH5N1 that have affected species such as ducks, native chickens, game fowls, pet birds, and turkeys, among others.

“The PVO laboratory is currently conducting blood sample testing of chickens and other fowls, especially from high-risk areas in the province, to ensure that the province is still free of avian influenza,” she said.

Some of the high-risk areas usually visited by migratory birds are the cities of Bais and Canlaon, and the towns of Ayungon, Manjuyod and Siaton, she said. So far, not a single bird flu case has been reported in Dumaguete City.

Meanwhile, the PVO will be meeting on Tuesday, April 25, with distributors and vendors of “balut” or fertilized egg embryo, either boiled or steamed, to discuss the latest guidance as mentioned in EO 24, Felisilda said.

Previously, the consignees were allowed to bring in uncooked “balut” from outside of the province, but this is no longer applicable, she said.

Felisilda said the provincial government has identified a “holding area” in Valencia town where the “balut” delivered to Negros Oriental will be brought and stored.

The consignees will then collect their respective shipments there and the vendors will have to cook the balut in the same facility, she added. (PNA)