The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) confirmed on Wednesday the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Type A Subtype H5N2 (HPAI H5N2) in a duck farm in Talisay, Camarines Norte.
BAI said this is the first detection of HPAI H5N2 in the country and the first recorded avian influenza case in the province.
The agency said in a statement the positive result was reported on December 6 by the Animal Disease Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory, following routine surveillance conducted by the Department of Agriculture’s Bicol Regional field office last month.
BAI said following confirmation, immediate quarantine and biosecurity measures on the affected farm were conducted to prevent the virus from spreading.
The agency added the remaining birds are being culled and disposed of to contain the infection.
As part of its investigation, BAI is tracing the movement of birds to identify additional risks.
BAI regional office has activated its command center to oversee operations. The Regional Quick Response Team for Animal Disease and Emergencies is reviewing protocols in line with the Avian Influenza Protection Program.
“Rest assured BAI is committed to protecting the Philippines poultry industry from the threat of avian influenza and will maintain close cooperation with other government agencies and stakeholders. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any unusual poultry deaths or signs of illness to local authorities for immediate action,” BAI said.
Based on BAI data as of December 6, two regions, two provinces, two municipalities and two barangays remain affected by AI.
Active cases are on duck farms located in Pandi, Bulacan for the H5N1 subtype and those in the aforementioned case in Camarines Norte.
Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that as of October 1, the country’ has a total duck inventory of 14,453,113.
Of the said volume, 792,219 or 5.5 percent come from Bulacan while 21,230 or 0.15 percent are from Camarines Norte.
