BIRD FLU: ACT NOW, NOT LATER

BIRD FLU: ACT NOW, NOT LATER We’ve just emerged from the worst global health crisis of our generation—and yet, another biological threat is already knocking on our doors. The name isn’t new, but the threat is very real: Bird Flu, or avian influenza, particularly the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain. This virus has long haunted poultry farms in Asia, but what makes it more dangerous now is its increasing ability to jump species—from birds to humans. With each new outbreak, it mutates, learns, and edges closer to sparking a full-scale epidemic. That’s why we need to prepare now, not scramble later. Let’s not forget that we are a poultry-loving country. From backyard farms to massive poultry operations, chickens are everywhere—and so are the risks. Poultry workers, especially those in dressing plants and live bird markets, are on the frontlines. If we don’t act early, they may be the first to pay the price. Here are practical, actionable steps the government should take to safeguard both public health and the poultry industry: 1. DA and DOH Must Work as One Bird Flu is zoonotic—it starts in animals and crosses over to humans. So, it’s not enough for the Department of Agriculture (DA) to handle poultry outbreaks while the Department of Health (DOH) waits for human infections. These two agencies must coordinate seamlessly. Health and agriculture are no longer separate silos in today’s viral world. 2. Monitor Transmission Hotspots We need regular surveillance of farms, slaughterhouses, and wet markets. These are not just economic zones—they’re potential viral launching pads. Early detection is the difference between containment and catastrophe. 3. Is Fried Chicken Safe? It may sound like a silly question—until it’s not. We need clear, science-backed studies on whether infected poultry can still pose a threat when cooked. The goal is not to induce panic, but to maintain consumer confidence with transparency. 4. Assess DOH Preparedness Let’s be honest—we were caught flat-footed by COVID-19. Let’s not repeat the same mistake. Is the DOH ready for a Bird Flu outbreak? Are hospitals trained? Is there enough protective gear for frontliners? Let’s audit now rather than apologize later. 5. Secure Vaccines and Antivirals We need a strategic stockpile of relevant vaccines and medicines. And beyond stockpiling, we should assess if we can manufacture these locally, possibly through partnerships with global pharma firms or by upgrading our biotech capabilities. 6. Build a Real-Time Reporting System Delays kill. A computerized system for real-time updates—from poultry farms to hospitals—can make a huge difference in containing an outbreak before it spreads. 7. Learn from the Past Let’s stop treating every outbreak like a brand-new surprise. The data exists—cases, recoveries, fatalities. Let’s analyze what happened in past Bird Flu outbreaks, including the recent fatality in Louisiana, USA. Trends matter. They tell us what to prepare for. 8. Work with Global Partners The Philippines doesn’t need to fight this alone. We can and should learn from other nations, tap the expertise of the World Health Organization (WHO), and join regional early-warning networks. Poultry is food, livelihood, and export. But it’s also a ticking time bomb if left unchecked in the face of Bird Flu. This is not just a poultry issue—it’s a public health concern, an economic risk, and a test of our preparedness. If we act now, we save lives and protect livelihoods. If we wait, we invite disaster. Bird Flu may not be trending yet—but in public health, the smart money is always on prevention, not reaction. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 07-16-2025