Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso called an emergency meeting this week with city departments, police, and military units to coordinate a heightened response after the Bureau of Animal Industry confirmed bird flu infections in three farms in Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay. (Photo: Facebook/ Miljohn Mancao)
Authorities in western Mindanao have tightened restrictions on the movement of poultry and livestock products after bird flu infections were confirmed in farms in Zamboanga Sibugay province. The move is part of the sweeping effort to prevent the spread of avian influenza.
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso convened an emergency meeting with city departments, police officials, and military units this week. The meeting aims to coordinate an intensified response following confirmation from the Bureau of Animal Industry that three farms in Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay, had tested positive for bird flu.
The move underscores growing fears among local officials that the highly contagious virus — which devastates poultry industries and has, in rare cases, infected humans — could spread across neighboring municipalities if transport routes remain unchecked.
Bird flu risk to the public is low, but…
An executive order issued by Mayor Olaso formally bans the entry of poultry and livestock products originating from the towns of Diplahan, Buug, and Imelda in Zamboanga Sibugay. The mayor also ordered the strengthening of checkpoint inspections at major entry points into the city. The mayor directed the Office of the City Veterinarian, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the City Health Office, and the City Legal Office to coordinate with the police and the military-led Joint Task Force Zamboanga in enforcing the restrictions.
Health officials warned that while avian influenza primarily affects birds, certain strains — particularly H5N1 — can occasionally infect humans through direct exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments.
Dulce Miravite said the risk to the general public remains low but stressed the importance of vigilance, especially among poultry workers, traders and transporters who may come into contact with infected livestock.
“Avian influenza is highly contagious among birds, and strict movement control is critical to contain outbreaks,” she said.
Concerns over economic and public health
The latest restrictions expand an already existing ban covering several areas in Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao, including Titay, Ipil, Naga and R.T. Lim in Zamboanga Sibugay; Tampilisan and Kalawit in Zamboanga del Norte; and Bonifacio and Tangub City in Misamis Occidental.
The escalating containment measures reflect mounting concern among local governments over the economic and public health consequences of another large-scale animal disease outbreak, particularly in farming communities where poultry and livestock remain vital sources of income and food security.
Officials view the crackdown as a move to protect public confidence, as it is about stopping a virus that can move quickly through trade routes long before symptoms appear.
About The Author
