KFC says it's bird flu-free

MANILA - KFC Philippines said Wednesday its products were unaffected by the bird flu outbreak in Pampanga province.

Rival restaurant operators Jollibee, McDonald's, Max's Group and poultry producers San Miguel Purefoods and Bounty Agro Ventures have made similar assurances to consumers.


"KFC Philippines would like to assure our loyal patrons that our famous line of fried chicken products are neither affected nor threatened by present concerns over avian flu," the company said in a statement.

All tests on KFC Philippines' chicken have turned out negative for the virus, it said.

The government has moved to contain the spread of the virus from the farming town of San Luis, north of the capital, where some 200,000 chickens were slaughtered.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

PH records first avian flu outbreak

MANILA - The Philippines has recorded its first bird flu outbreak and will "eliminate" half a million chickens to control the spread of the virus, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Friday.

Around 38,000 chickens have died of the Avian Influenza Type A Subtype H5 in San Luis town, Pampanga, Piñol reported at the Mango Stakeholders Forum Friday.

To prevent the spread of the deadly virus, Piñol said around 500,000 chickens would be "eliminated."


The Department of Agriculture has also ordered a halt to the transport of poultry from Luzon to other parts of the country until further notice to control the outbreak.

Avian influenza is a viral infection that spreads among birds but can infect humans as well.

According to the World Health Organization, human infection is primarily acquired through direct contact with infected animals.

The infection may cause diseases such as mild conjunctivitis or swelling of the eyes, severe pneumonia and even death. Interaction with humans infected with the flu, however, does not result in "efficient transmission" between people.

The WHO also clarified that there is no evidence that the avian flu can be acquired by eating properly cooked eggs or poultry.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

How OFWs can build resistance vs avian flu

MANILA – Filipinos working in Hong Kong, particularly those engaged in poultry work, are urged to take extra precaution to prevent them from being exposed to, and infected with, avian flu.

"The best way to prevent infection with the avian influenza, or bird flu, is to avoid sources of exposure whenever possible. Most known cases of avian influenza have occurred following direct, close, or prolonged contact with sick, or dead infected poultry," said Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

If possible, Baldoz suggested that OFWs avoid poultry and other animal markets and slaughterhouses and ensure that meat and meat products, including eggs, are thoroughly cooked.

For those engaged in poultry work or who respond to avian influenza outbreaks, she advised them to follow recommended bio-security and infection control practices, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as surgical masks, and careful attention to hand hygiene.

"As the bird flu, or avian flu virus is carried by birds, it is very difficult to prevent it from spreading. However, there are some things one can do to reduce chances of developing a viral infection, such as washing hands regularly, particularly after going to the toilet suspected with or susceptible to infection and before handling food, and turning away from other people and covering the mouth with tissues when coughing or sneezing," said Baldoz.

She further suggested that OFWs refrain from close contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils, or cups, with people who are sick. For those already showing symptoms of the virus –like fever, coughing, or shortness of breath—should immediately see a doctor.

Filipinos who feel they have contracted the disease are advised to delay their trip home until after obtaining a go signal from a doctor.

The Occupational Health and Safety Center (OSHC) has posted an advisory on influenza A flu virus, which includes tips on prevention in contracting the disease.

From 1996 to 2012, human infections with H7 avian influenza viruses (H7N2, H7N3, and H7N7) were reported in Canada, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Most of these infections occurred in association with poultry outbreaks.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com