Animal Health Inspection and Protection Office, Tainan City

This year’s first case of AI virus was reported in Tainan City on February 12. Mayor Lai convened the first Emergency Response Conference as a Disease Control Task Force was set up at Yonghua Civic Center. Two more meetings were held on February 17 and March 1, respectively.

The Tainan City Government has taken aggressive measures to prevent and combat the spread of AI. Reinforced surveillance measures at poultry farms are in place. Meanwhile, epidemic control fleets have been dispatched by the Environmental Protection Bureau and Animal Health Inspection and Protection Office to eradicate possible presence of virus lurking on roads around poultry farms, areas where wild pigeons gather, and public arterials across the city.  

If poultry farmers detect alarming symptoms in fowls – such as loss of appetite, swelling in facial areas, red coloring in legs, or abnormal deaths – they should notify the Animal Health Inspection and Protection Office immediately. The Office would send veterinary officers to the farm for inspection, and sequester the birds. Samples are then collected and sent to the Animal Health Research Institute under the Council of Agriculture for confirmation. As soon as H5 cases are established, mass culling would follow within 24 hours. Animal-control disinfection vehicles would then be dispatched to sterilize the farms, areas surrounding the farms and public areas to contain the spread of virus.

The Tainan City Government urges citizens to refrain from touching or feeding wild birds. One must wash his hands with soap immediately and thoroughly if he accidently comes into contact with the feces of the bird. Health precautions should be made for personal protection. Bird watchers are advised to keep their distance from wild birds, steer clear of their habitat, refrain from touching or feeding them. Don’t be panic if you spot any dead birds. Notify Tainan City Animal Health Inspection and Protection Office at 06-6323039 to help prevent the spread of the disease.