the H5 bird flu. Last Monday the APSS and the ministry agreed to beef up biosecurity, report cases of sick animals and to support the poultry farmers whose farms have been hit by the bird flu. LVV Minister Mike Noersalim announced that samples would be sent abroad to help identity the variant of the bird flu. The results will be shared with the APSS. He pointed out that communication with the sector must also be needed up. Poultry farmers have been asked to notify the authorities of any irregularities, symptoms and high mortality rate so that swift action could be taken in association with the Health Ministry, the Public Health Bureau (BOG), the National Coordination Center for Disaster Control (NCCR) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Minister Noersalim pointed out that the Ministry of Agriculture, Stock Breeding and Fisheries is currently assessing the damage at the poultry farms that have been hit. Meanwhile the ministry keeps on encouraging local production within the poultry sector. APSS Chairman Guilliano Jodhabier emphasized that the organization would inform its members of the outcome of the meeting. He urged the union members to notify the authorities of irregularities as soon as possible.