By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Bicol (DA-5) activated a command center and implemented rapid response and control measures after the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) confirmed a positive incidence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N2 in backyard ducks in Camarines Norte.
In a media release on Wednesday, DA-5 Regional Executive Director Rodel Tornilla said the measures include immediate culling of the affected ducks in Talisay and Vinzons towns to contain the spread of the virus.
The agency, he added, also regularly conducts surveillance and monitoring within a one-kilometer radius of the affected areas to identify any further cases, and restricts movement within the quarantine zone to prevent the transport of potentially infected poultry.
Tornilla said the measures are being implemented through the DA’s Regional Quick Response Team for Animal Disease and Emergencies (RQRT-ADE).
He said this is the first recorded incidence of avian flu in the region and was discovered during routine surveillance being conducted by the DA Bicol Regulatory Division.
“The DA-5 is working closely with the provincial local government unit of Camarines Norte, the Bureau of Animal Industry, the Department of Health, and municipal agriculture offices to implement a coordinated response. Proper indemnification will also be provided to the affected farmers,” he said.
In a statement, the DA-5 said humans do not get bird flu from thoroughly cooked chicken meat.
“No evidence of transmission of the virus to humans from raw, chilled, or frozen poultry foods. Still, look for the meat inspection certificate issued by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) meat inspection officers and deputized meat inspection officers when buying chicken meat,” the agency said.
Tornilla also advised poultry owners to strengthen biosecurity measures in their farms to protect their flocks.
These include practicing proper hand hygiene, cooking poultry thoroughly, and reporting any unusual sickness or deaths in birds to municipal agriculture offices or provincial veterinary offices.
DA-5 assured the public that it is committed to controlling the avian disease even as it called on people to help prevent further spread of the virus.
“We will continue to provide updates and information to the public as the situation develops,” Tornilla said. (PNA)
