ICTSI protecting Manila facility from bird flu

ICTSI protecting Manila facility from bird flu    International Container Terminal Services, Inc. said today it has taken steps to further safeguard its flagship Manila International Container Terminal from exposure to the bird flu virus.
   Following practices similar to when the SARS virus hit the region two years ago, any vessels coming in from countries that have reported outbreaks of the bird flu are only allowed up to the Manila Bay basin area. Before the vessel can proceed, a quarantine team is ferried to the incoming vessel to conduct medical examinations onboard.
   Federal quarantine officials have also provided the company guidelines on how to protect against exposure to the virus.
   “We are closely coordinating with the health department’s Bureau of Quarantine to ensure that the MICT is safe from bird flu,” said Francis Andrews, ICTSI senior vice president and the general manager of the MICT.
“Since MICT is an international transit point, we have to be sure that our terminal is safe and clear from transmission.”
   Only suspected and isolated cased of the bird flu have been reported in the Philippines, and the country’s Department of Health said the Philippines is still considered safe from the bird flu.