Avian Influenza risk in Zamboanga

Avian Influenza Prevention Guide for Zamboanga Risk Score: 65/100 — Moderate to High What is Avian Influenza? Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is a viral infection that primarily spreads among poultry and wild birds. Certain strains, particularly H5N1, can infect humans and cause severe respiratory illness with high mortality. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces and equipment. Why Zamboanga Faces Specific Risk Zamboanga's risk score of 65 reflects several local factors worth understanding. The city has significant backyard poultry farming where families raise chickens and ducks with minimal biosecurity. Live bird markets operate daily with birds from multiple sources mixing freely. Wet markets in barangays near coastal and rural areas create easy transmission points. Migratory birds passing through nearby wetlands introduce new strains. Limited veterinary oversight in smaller operations means sick birds often go unreported. The warm, humid climate helps the virus survive longer in the environment. Immediate Prevention Steps You Can Take Step 1: Isolate new birds for 14 days before mixing them with your existing flock. This single practice prevents introducing sick birds into your healthy population. Step 2: Keep birds away from wild birds completely. Use covered netting and enclosed coops. Do not let your chickens roam near open water sources where migratory birds gather. Step 3: Wash hands thoroughly with soap after handling birds, their eggs, or cleaning coops. Change clothes and shoes before entering and leaving your poultry area. Step 4: Report sick or dead birds immediately to your barangay agricultural office. Do not sell, eat, or bury them yourself. Early reporting protects your neighbors and family. Step 5: Cook poultry meat and eggs thoroughly. Heat kills the virus completely. Avoid raw or soft-cooked eggs, especially from birds showing any symptoms. Watch for sudden bird deaths, swelling around the head and neck, difficulty breathing, and purple discoloration of combs and warts. These signs mean act quickly.