Question & AnswerQ&A (BAI MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 07, S. 2004)
The primary purpose is to provide precautionary measures on contact with and handling of wild, migratory, and pet birds to prevent the transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI-H5NI strain) to domestic poultry and humans.
Migratory birds can become contaminated or infected with the Bird Flu virus during migration and stop-overs in infected areas, and they can transmit the infection to domestic poultry and humans through direct contact.
They are advised to report to the nearest Barangay, Town, City or other government officials, or offices such as the Parks and Wildlife Bureau, BAI, Regional Department of Agriculture Offices, Provincial/City Veterinary Office, PENRO/CENRO, and Municipal Agriculture Offices.
No, the memorandum explicitly prohibits capturing, handling, selling, or buying migratory and wild birds, and advises to report any illegal sales.
Handlers should wear protective nose/mouth masks, wash hands and exposed body parts after handling, and decontaminate exposed clothes and footwear by washing or disinfection.
Because avian flu infection can be transmitted by inhalation or from contact of exposed body parts, especially hands, to the nose and mouth, thus decontamination helps prevent infection.
It is recommended to prevent contact between migratory/wild birds and domestic poultry and, if necessary, quarantine migratory and wild birds for at least thirty days.
Hotlines include BAI-Directors Office (927-0971), National Veterinary Quarantine Services (920-0816), Philippine Animal Health Center (920-0429), PAWB-DENR (924-6031 to 39), and Department of Health (DOH) (743-8301 to 2350).
Citizens are legally obligated to avoid capturing, handling, selling, or buying migratory and wild birds, report illegal sales or sightings to authorities, and follow safety measures to prevent avian flu transmission.