By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) will be on guard despite the province remains free from avian influenza or bird flu.

PVO head Dr. Placeda Lemana said they are concerned over the arrival of migratory birds in Negros Occidental, particularly in the southern part.

The PVO regularly collects blood samples from migratory birds, as well as ducks and chickens from Sipalay City, for avian influenza testing.

Lemana said the PVO is trying its best to protect the province’s broiler and game fowl industry.

Poultry products coming from Luzon and Mindanao that have confirmed bird flu cases remained banned from entering the province./DGB, WDJ