Bird flu resolved in Isabela town; surveillance continues in Cauayan City, Cotabato provinces

THE Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said it recorded cases of bird flu in Gamu and Cauayan City, Isabela, Mlang, Cotabato, and Norala, South Cotabato.

The BAI stressed that the current cases of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) are localized, contained and pose no threat to food safety.

It added that poultry products from monitored and accredited farms remain safe for consumption as the HPAI virus does not spread through properly cooked poultry meat or eggs.

On Oct. 16, the BAI’s Animal Disease Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory (ADDRL) confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain of bird flu in a commercial farm in a barangay in Gamu. The affected farm was immediately depopulated.

Surveillance showed no further spread within the one-kilometer radius; as such, the outbreak has been declared resolved.

In Mlang, HPAI Subtype H5N8 was detected on Oct. 17 in two smallholder duck farms. The first affected farm was immediately depopulated and was subjected to disinfection, quarantine and monitoring in coordination with the local veterinary office.

The second farm had sold its flock prior to verification. Authorities are currently tracing the movement of the sold birds to ensure that the virus is fully contained.

On Oct. 20, the ADDRL confirmed cases of HPAI subtypes H5, H9, N1 and N2 in a commercial duck farm in Norala. The affected flock was reported to have been transferred to Maguindanao del Sur before the laboratory results were released.

On Oct. 28, the ADDRL confirmed the presence of HPAI H5N1 in a commercial farm in Cauayan City. Depopulation, cleaning, and disinfection were completed on Oct. 27, and the area remains under surveillance and subject to control measures.