ZAMBOANGA CITY – The barn swallows that rest and sleep on electric wires at nightfall in the downtown area are free from the Avian influenza or other tropical diseases, an official here assured Wednesday.
Dr. Mario Arriola, city veterinary officer, said the swallows have been tested for Avian influenza through fecal samples collected with the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The barn swallows rest and sleep at night on power lines in the downtown area, particularly in the commercial center here.
“The birds are found negative for Avian influenza and other tropical diseases,” Arriola said, adding that the barn swallows here are not classified as migratory birds.
The periodic laboratory testing of birds is mandated under the executive order of Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, which prohibits the entry of poultry and non-poultry exotic birds from Luzon and other parts of the country suspected to be infected with Avian flu.
The barn swallow is the most abundant and widely distributed swallow species in the world. They once nested in caves, but now build their nests almost exclusively on man-made structures. (PNA)
