Camarines Sur, Davao del Sur now bird flu-free

Camarines Sur and Davao del Sur are now free of bird flu several months after recording the first case of this infectious poultry disease, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).In a memorandum circular, the DA said Camarines Sur and Davao del Sur tested negative for highly pathogenic avian influenza more than 40 days since the completion of cleanup, disinfection and surveillance operations.

The two provinces recorded cases of the subtype H5N1 in March this year after grazing ducks tested positive for the virus.

Disease investigation, immediate depopulation, cleaning and disinfection, movement restrictions and surveillance in the affected premises have been conducted since then in accordance with the Avian Influenza Protection (AIPP) guidelines.

“Results of subsequent disease monitoring in the 1-kilometer and 7-km surveillance zones of the abovementioned provinces yielded negative test results for influenza type A virus,” the memo read.

“The last H5N1 HPA1 laboratory detection in Camarines Sur and Davao del Sur were on March 12, 2022 and April 1, 2022, respectively,” it added.

According to the World Organization of the Animal Health, the avian influenza-free status of a previously free country or zone may be regained after a minimum period of 28 days, provided a stamping-out policy and disinfection of the last affected establishment were carried out, and the consequent surveillance demonstrated the absence of infection.

To date, bird flu is present in Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bataan, Laguna, Sultan Kudarat, Benguet, Cotabato, South Cotabato, Maguindanao and Isabela. Most bird flu cases recorded in the country are under control.

Data from the Bureau of Animal Industry showed that 133,160 birds have died due to the virus while another 286,934 have been culled.

Recently, the agency updated guidelines on the movement of live poultry and nonpoultry products and byproducts to ensure supply chain continuity and local food sufficiency. INQ