YES, the avian influenza (AI) was confirmed in Pampanga and there is reason to be cautious. But caution should be delivered in such a way that it is clear that to keep one's distance is just that: keeping one's distance.
It should not in any way be misconstrued as an advice to annihilate migratory birds.
It's the season for migration, and it is no fault of the birds that they will be flying south. That's just how it is, they need to migrate to escape the cold where they come from. These birds are harmless for as long as the public keep their distance.
Migratory birds, after all, are not pets, and there is absolutely no reason for anyone to go around petting these birds.
Raising warnings without making it clear that migratory birds are not the enemy can lead to overzealous citizens to go on a shooting spree to chase off the birds. This can be worse: for both birds and that overzealous shooter.
Worst is falling into the habit of talking science when many of the audience are backyard poultry and duck raisers whose concern is about ducks and chickens and not biosecurity measures. But from what we are hearing, the word biosecurity is being bandied around as if it's a badge of superior knowledge.
In communicating about threats that applies to all, comprehension is the key.
Yes, there's the threat, but no, there's nothing to panic about. Here are the things people in poultry farms must do so as not to contribute to the threat:
1. Avoid taking birds to or bringing home birds when an avian flu outbreak has been confirmed. Meaning, do not take out birds or bring in birds to San Luis, Pampanga.
2. All domestic flocks, poultry, ducks and whatever other birds, should be fenced in to avoid contact with wild birds. It is best to keep ducks separate from chickens because water fowls have higher tolerance to disease and may be carriers without immediately showing symptoms. Keep those ducks away from wild fowl.
3. New stocks should be from certified AI-free areas, meaning, do not get stocks anywhere from Pampanga until the place has been cleared.
4. For poultry owners, using inexpensive farm footwear, whether rubber boots or slippers and shoes, for your farm helps. Keep the footwear you wear outside away from your fowl raising areas.
5. Remove manure, mud, and debris from footwear, boots, and tires by scraping using long handled brush, and then disinfect using three parts "chlorox" to two parts water. No vehicle or footwear should be allowed inside the farm without being disinfected.
6. Do not allow your visitors to use their footwear in your farm without disinfecting.
All these steps, by the way are what biosecurity measures mean. It's really not rocket science, just precautionary measures that require a tad more attention to cleanliness.
Again, let us repeat this: Wild birds are not the enemy, they are just not pets and should not be regarded as such. Wild birds' numbers are already dwindling as they are, do not hunt them down, let them fly free, undisturbed. Leave them where they migrate to, while keeping your fowl farm clean.