PHL on alert vs new bird flu strain

Malacañang on Wednesday said concerned government agencies are closely monitoring the entry of poultry and wild birds from neighboring countries to prevent the possible entry of a mutant strain of H5N1 bird flu. “Binabantayan na yung mga pagpasok ng mga produktong yun sa ating bansa," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said at a press briefing, adding that Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala is taking the lead in the campaign against entry of products that could contain the dreaded virus. “Lagi naman nagbabantay ang ating DA lalo na napakamasigasig ni Secretary Prosy Alcala tungkol sa mga bagay na pumasailalim sa kanyang departamento at naihayag naman ng FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) na baka meron nga daw pumasok," she said.

The United Nations FAO on Monday warned of a possible resurgence of bird flu due to the mutant strain. Virologists also warned that there was no vaccine against the mutant strain that is now spreading in China and Vietnam. “Nag-mutate so nag-iba ng presentation, nag-iba ng profile, ng characteristics, nag-iba rin ng lakas. Maaaring mas naging virulent ang virus, mas pangit ang presentation. Whatever preparations we're having then may not be useful anymore for this mutated virus," said Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy of the Department of Health in an interview aired on GMA News' "24 Oras." Sixty percent of the people infected with H5N1 died. The virus resurfaced in recent months, particularly in Cambodia where it has affected eight people this year, killing all of them. - Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News