Negros Oriental remains free from avian influenza (AI), with authorities ramping up preventive measures by conducting blood sampling in high-risk areas across the province.

A team from the Department of Agriculture regulatory division in Central Visayas began random blood sampling of chickens in Sta. Catalina, an area with a significant poultry population and frequented by migratory birds, according to Jaymar Vilos, spokesperson of the Provincial Veterinary Office.

“The standard requirement for blood sampling has been doubled, and the regional team is helping us complete this process within the week,” Vilos said in an interview.

Aside from Sta. Catalina, the high-risk areas identified for sampling are Canlaon City, Manjuyod, Ayungon, Tanjay City, Bais City, Bayawan City, Siaton, and Zamboanguita, where migratory birds pose potential risks of virus transmission.

To date, no cases of AI, a highly contagious virus affecting domestic and wild birds, have been detected in Negros Oriental, Vilos said. (PNA)