LINGAYEN – The provincial government continues to monitor swamps, marshes and similar areas as part of its effort to check the entry of migratory birds that may have been infected with the bird flu virus and safeguard public health.

Although not a single case of the deadly avian flu has been reported yet in the province or in the country, Dr. Benedicto Perez, provincial veterinarian, said they have set up measures to check the occurrence or spread of not only bird flu but other animal diseases through their Livestock/Poultry Disease Control and Eradication Program.

For a couple of years now, Pangasinan has likewise remained free from the foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease that attacks clover-footed animals like hogs and cattle.

Perez said they have been successful in preventing the entry of sick animals because of the establishment and maintenance of check-points in various entry and exit points in the province.

“Because of the check-points we were also able to check several deliveries of hot meats and to enforce strictly inspection and quarantine rules,” he added.