Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has officially declared Camarines Norte an avian influenza-free province following the successful containment of a highly infectious disease as a result of prompt action by local government units and agencies of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
A single case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N2 was confirmed last December in a backyard duck farm in the Municipality of Talisay.
A single case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N2 was confirmed last December in a backyard duck farm in the Municipality of Talisay.
In response, the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, in coordination with the municipal government, the DA Regional Field Office V, and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), swiftly implemented a comprehensive control strategy.
This included immediate depopulation of the affected farm, thorough cleaning and disinfection, movement restrictions, and enhanced surveillance—measures all in line with the Avian Influenza Protection Program (AIPP) guidelines.
Following these actions, surveillance within a 1-kilometer and 7-kilometer radius around the affected area yielded no new bird flu infections, with all tests returning negative results for the virus.
In memorandum circular 06, Tiu Laurel said that, after 28 days without new cases following the stamping-out policy and disinfection, Camarines Norte has met the World Organization for Animal Health’s criteria to regain its avian influenza-free status.
Before this isolated case, the province had maintained a clean record regarding avian influenza.
Before this isolated case, the province had maintained a clean record regarding avian influenza.
The successful containment and eradication efforts were made possible through the collaboration of local government units, DA, BAI, and strict biosecurity and quarantine measures.
Camarines Norte’s swift and effective disease management has not only prevented further spread but also restored confidence in the province’s poultry industry and reinforced public trust in local food security.
