DA inks 2 MOAs with Univet versus Bird Flu
January 11, 2006

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry and Univet Agricultural Products Inc. of the United Laboratories Inc., the country's largest drug manufacturer, forged this afternoon two agreements to provide vitamins to frontline action teams against bird flu, disinfectants and antibiotics for poultry and birds to be infected with fatal virus.

The agreement was signed by Agriculture Secretary Domingo F. Panganiban and Jocelyn Capos Hess and Carlos C. Ejercito, chairman and president and CEO respectively. It was witnessed by Bureau of Animal Industry OIC Director Dr. Davinio Catbagan.

BAI organized the National Avian Influenza Task Force to respond to the threat of the H5N1 (avian influenza) infection on gamefowl and duck and poultry farms on "hotspots" or areas potentially vulnerable to AI strain.

DA earlier requested the Univet's support to the NAITF which agreed to supply disinfectants, antibiotics and dewormers for animals within Hotspots, at no cost to DA. Univet also vowed to help in the monitoring and surveillance of bird farms in the country and dissemination of information on AI.

In one agreement, Univet committed P500,000 worth of disinfectant, Microban; antibiotic Vetracin and dewormer, Latigo 1000 for free. These products shall be used specifically for gamefowl, duck and poultry farms within the Hotspots.

Univet also agreed to help DA in the production of 5,000 copies of educational posters on AI focusing on biosecurity and 2,000 copies of brochures entitled "Commonly asked Questions on Bird Flu" all free of charge.

Univet also committed to support DA's educational campaign by using the posters in merchandising activities in key areas within the 21 hotspots identified by BAI particularly in poultry outlets, gamefowl farms, poultry farms and cockpits and assist BAI in organizing seminars on AI in coordination with the NAITF by providing resource speakers to discuss avian influenza. Univet will also provide sample products to BAI for distribution during AI seminars and place advertisements on AI in selected newspapers.

Another agreement between DA and Unilab cited the DA's deep concern about the potential spread of avian influenza A (h5N1) in ASEAN including the Philippines and its transmission to humans.

It cited the World Health Organization's documented cases of H5N1 infections in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia.

Unilab has agreed to supply multivitamins to NAITF's frontline service corps of quarantine officers and veterinarians and bird farm owners and workers to help build body resistance against colds and flu in the course of AI influenza campaigns in hotspots.

Over 3.3 million tablets of Enervon worth P25.13 million will be provided by Unilab to these frontliners, at no cost to DA. The Enervon products shall be for the exclusive and personal use of NAITF's front quarantine officers and veterinarians, bird farm owners and workers within the 21 hotspots identified by DA-BAI to help build their body resistance against infection.

These products shall be stored in Unilab warehouses and shall be released to DA-BAI for distribution to the beneficiaries based on the BAI's list of NAITF members, farm owners and workers and with written instruction of BAI.

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Reference:
Rose de la Cruz
Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)
Tel no. (+632) 925-9227