Smuggled birds a threat to health
Bird flu cases have been recorded in South East Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Thailand Cambodia and Malaysia. In the Philippines, no cases have been recorded so far, but it might not have a clean record for long if smuggling of wild birds from its neighboring countries is not stopped. Smuggling of goods has been rampant in the Philippines, and birds are no exception. Some of these birds are endangered, and despite existing laws that prohibits such practices, implementation of the law has been weak.
The government’s role is not only in providing health care during outbreaks, but also protecting its borders for threats. Protecting wildlife and protecting the citizens for possible flu outbreaks should be a priority to the government.