N. Cotabato to put up checkpoints to preveny spread of avian

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- A member of the provincial council in North Cotabato has strongly recommended the setting up of animal quarantine checkpoints in at least seven entry points of the province to prevent the spread of avian influenza virus.Cotabato 3rddistrict board member Socrates Pinol said the quarantine stations will ensure the growing poultry industry in the province won’t be affected by the virus, which first hit Pampanga, months ago.Checkpoints would be set up along Tulunan, Cotabato to Datu Paglas, Maguindanao road Makilala, Cotabato and Barangay Kinuskusan, Bansalan in Davao del Sur boundary of Carmen, Cotabato and Maramag, Bukidnon Banisilan, Cotabato and Wao, Lanao del Sur Pigcawayan, Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao road and Riverside Midsayap, Cotabato and Datu Piang, Maguindanao road. Although geographically, Cotabato is too far from Pampanga but nobody could tell if the poultry products that have entered in our area are free from the virus, said Pinol.The quarantine checkpoints are established at railroad stations and are consist of a sanitary prophylactic establishment with disinfectant.Personnel manning the quarantine must check animals, including persons, suspected of having the infectious disease for immediate relief.It must include both import and export inspections for chicken, quail, ducks, and geese.Inspections are conducted upon arrival and departureThe province’s poultry industry, data showed, is flourishing.Sadly though, the industry is being threatened by the avian flu outbreak, Pinol said.The North Cotabato is part of Soccsksargen (Region 12). Other areas include provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.Data from DA-12 Investment Profile, Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 supplies at least three percent of the country’s poultry requirements.