MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday said it has reinforced several disease control measures to stop the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in the country. In a statement, the DA said the Bureau of Animal Industry has allotted P177.78 million for the government's Avian Influenza Protection program that will implement mitigating measures before and during outbreaks of bird flu. The agency said the fund, which is higher than the allocation in prior years, will also be used to respond to animal disease emergencies through early detection and reliable laboratory tests. The BAI will maintain close coordination with local ...Keep on reading: Gov’t reinforces control measures against bird flu