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Migratory birds in Pangasinan bring threats of bangus shortage

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Bangus (milkfish) growers are alarmed by the thousands of migratory birds flying to Pangasinan this season.

Part of the heron family, flocks of dukakak (egret) almost cover the skies of Binmaley, Pangasinan as they scout for bangus fingerlings, eating up to six young fish daily.

"We're really affected with the appetite of these birds," said bangus grower Edward Domalanta.

In an attempt to drive the birds away, fishermen have resorted to the use of firecrackers and nylon wires.

Aside from the adverse effect of egrets on the bangus industry, the provincial veterinary office of Pangasinan greatly fears the entry of bird flu into the country. It was reported that the egrets in Pangasinan migrate from China, one of the Asian countries greatly infected by avian influenza in 2005.

"The bird flu is very deadly for our poultry, causing as much as 80 to 100 percent fatalities," said Pangasinan provincial veterinarian Dr. Benedicto Perez.

The Philippines is one of the two Asian countries that has yet to be affected by avian influenza.  --With a report from Cris Zuniga, ABS-CBN Dagupan









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