AI task force monitor 3 migratory bird species in Malasi Lake

Cabagan, Isabela (7 December) — After three months of monitoring the lakes in Region 2, the Avian Influenza (AI) Task Force saw three species of migratory birds in Malasi Lake, here.

During the first monitoring of the task force last August, no birds were found in the lake but now thousands of birds already flocked to the area.

According to Forester Luz Soriano, of DENR, there are four bird species in the lake that includes Philippine Duck, Garganey, Whistling Duck and Northern Shoveler.

She said the Philippine ducks are residents to the area. They just transfer from one lake to another but the other three other species have migrated from China, Malaysia, Japan and Korea.

The veterinary doctors of the Department of Agriculture Livestock Division have cleared that there were no signs that the birds are carriers of Avian Influenza virus but they have to continue monitoring the lake to ensure that there will be no AI carriers among the migratory birds.

Some residents said it is normal that during cold season different species of birds flock to the lake which is located at the middle of a grass-land and far from residential areas.

On the other hand, at the Monterey Lake in Cauayan City, Isabela, the task force has seen no bird species there. The manager said, because residents near the lake used to hunt birds for their food consumption, only few bird species are visiting the lake. (Oliver B./PIA 2)