by Lovely Laudette D. Gamba

BUTUAN CITY (November 22) -- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will send 60 members of the National Avian Influenza Task Force (NAITF) to Indonesia to study the AI eradication and preventive measures of the country. This is to better prepare the Philippines on a possible AI outbreak.

The move came after the President's meeting with Indonesian officials and pronouncement of Indonesia as having the highest AI mortality rate. Indonesia has 75 percent case fatality rate. Among the 74 AI human cases in the country, 56 has resulted to death.

This is revealed by Dr. Samuel Animas, Animal Health Division Chief of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), during the two-day Speakers Bureau Training on Avian Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response at the DA Conference Hall, recently.

The two-day speakers bureau training aims to equip the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) team of the Regional Avian Influenza Task Force (RAITF) with technical know- how on how to effectively disseminate and conduct information campaign on AI or bird flu.

Among the topics discussed during the two-day seminar is the Philippine Avian Influenza Protection Program, Basic Facts on Avian and Pandemic Influenza, Principles of Surveillance in Human and Animal Avian, Entry-Exit Management of Ports of Entry and Frequently Asked Questions on Avian.

Also discussed during the seminar is the Hospital Preparedness, Laboratory Diagnosis of Human and Animal Avian Influenza, Specimen Transport, Risk Communication and Dealing with the Media.