Davao del Sur regains bird flu-free status — DA
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has officially declared Davao del Sur free from avian influenza, following the successful containment of a single outbreak reported late last year.
In a memorandum circular, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed that the province has fulfilled all requirements to restore its disease-free classification after a November 2025 case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Subtype H5. The infection was traced to a backyard duck farm in the municipality of Magsaysay, prompting swift action from both local and national authorities.
Tiu Laurel emphasized that the declaration goes beyond technical achievement, noting its importance in safeguarding food security, rebuilding investor confidence, and protecting the livelihoods of poultry farmers. He added that maintaining a disease-free environment supports industry growth, job creation, and stable income for agricultural communities.
The DA credited the rapid response measures carried out by the provincial government, in coordination with the DA Regional Field Office XI and the Bureau of Animal Industry. These included immediate culling of affected birds, strict disinfection procedures, movement restrictions, and intensified monitoring.
Follow-up surveillance within 1-kilometer and 7-kilometer control zones showed no presence of the influenza type A virus, confirming that the outbreak had not spread. Authorities also completed all required cleaning and disinfection processes, meeting international disease control standards.
The declaration is consistent with guidelines from the World Organisation for Animal Health, which allow areas to regain avian influenza-free status at least 28 days after containment and verification of zero infection.
Despite the success, the incident highlights ongoing vulnerabilities, particularly among backyard poultry farms that often lack strong biosecurity measures. The affected farm in Magsaysay falls within this category.
This is not the first such case for the province. Davao del Sur previously regained bird flu-free status in 2022 after an H5N1 outbreak, demonstrating improved local capacity in handling similar incidents. However, recurring cases underscore persistent risks linked to poultry movement, migratory birds, and gaps in farm-level protections.
The DA warned that any future confirmed case would require immediate reporting and could lead to the revocation of the province’s disease-free status.
While the declaration is expected to boost market confidence and stabilize poultry supply, experts stress that continued investment in biosecurity—especially among small-scale farmers—remains essential to prevent future outbreaks.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR
