Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has declared Camarines Sur free from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, after the successful implementation of containment and surveillance measures. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the region, as it regains its bird flu-free status.
According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Circular No. 27, in compliance with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines. The guidelines allow an area to be declared bird flu-free 28 days after a successful stamping-out operation, followed by disinfection and the absence of new cases.
The DA's regional office worked in coordination with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and local government units to execute containment measures. These included investigation, depopulation, disinfection, movement restrictions, and surveillance to prevent the spread of the virus. The last reported case of H5N9 in the province occurred in April at a backyard farm in Camaligan town, following previous cases of H5N1 detected in 2022.
Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized that the province's bird flu-free status is contingent upon the absence of new cases, cautioning that it could be immediately revoked if any new infections emerge. Despite the positive development in Camarines Sur, the BAI reports that as of September 5, 138 barangays in 53 cities and municipalities across the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Bicol remain affected by avian influenza.
