Camarines Sur Regains Bird Flu-Free Status After Successful Containment Efforts
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has officially declared the province of Camarines Sur free from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, following the effective implementation of strict containment and monitoring measures.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Circular No. 27, formally restoring the province’s bird flu-free status in accordance with standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health.
According to the DA, the declaration came after the successful completion of disease control operations, including stamping-out procedures, disinfection activities, and continuous surveillance with no new reported cases within the prescribed monitoring period.
The DA Regional Office, together with the Bureau of Animal Industry and local government units, carried out intensified response measures such as investigations, depopulation of affected birds, movement restrictions, disinfection, and monitoring to prevent the further spread of the virus.
The province’s last recorded H5N9 bird flu case was detected in April in a backyard poultry farm in Camaligan, Camarines Sur. Previous H5N1 cases had also been reported in 2022.
Despite the positive development, Secretary Laurel emphasized that the bird flu-free designation may be revoked immediately should new infections emerge in the province.
Meanwhile, data from the Bureau of Animal Industry showed that as of Sept. 5, a total of 138 barangays across 53 cities and municipalities in the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Bicol Region remain affected by avian influenza.
The DA continues to strengthen biosecurity measures and surveillance nationwide to protect the country’s poultry industry and ensure food security.
Source: NPO News Team | PNA-PR
