With all samples from Camarines Norte testing negative for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N2, both the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the local poultry industry can breathe a sigh of relief.
Despite this positive outcome, the situation remains closely monitored, with continued surveillance and biosecurity measures being enforced in the area, the DA said in a statement on Sunday.
The DA said all oropharyngeal swab samples collected from domestic avian species within the 1-kilometer radius surrounding the previously HPAI subtype H5N2 affected farm in Talisay, Camarines Norte, tested negative.
Rodel Tornilla, DA Bicol regional executive director, said there were 137 samples subjected to real time polymerase chain reaction for influenza Type A test conducted by their regional animal disease diagnostic laboratory on the surveillance samples transmitted on December 12.
Swab samples were taken from domestic avian species such as ducks, gamefowl and chicken from various owners.
Tornilla said the one-kilometer radius surveillance areas included the barangays of San Nicolas, Binanuaan and San Francisco in the town of Talisay as well as barangays Awitan and Gahonon in Daet and Barangay Ginacutan in Vinzons.
The DA said its Bicol Regional Quick Response Team will continue to conduct active surveillance in the next 7-kilometer radius from affected areas in Camarines Norte.
The DA said the public should continue to observe biosecurity measures such as proper handwashing after exposure to any kinds of birds and poultry.
The public is also encouraged by the DA to report any unusual sickness or deaths in birds.
Camarines Norte’s avian influenza (AI) case was the first detection of HPAI H5N2 subtype in the country.
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.
