The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) confirms the detection of the country’s first case of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) Type A Subtype H5N9 in Camaligan, Camarines Sur. On April 30, 2025, the BAI-Animal Disease Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory (BAI-ADDRL) reported positive results from duck samples collected during a routine surveillance by DA Regional Field Office V (DA-RFO V). Subtype H5N9, while highly pathogenic in birds, poses low risk to humans based on current global assessments.
BAI promptly endorsed disease control measures to DA-RFO V, including immediate quarantine, culling, surveillance and coordination with local authorities and notified the Department of Health (DOH) to monitor any potential human exposure.
DA-RFO V, led by Regional Executive Director Rodel Tornilla, activated its Command Center and convened its Regional Quick Response Team to enforce control protocols. Coordination meetings with Regional DOH, the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur and the Municipality of Camaligan have also been conducted to streamline actions.
Culling and proper disposal of the remaining ducks in the affected farms are done on May 6, 2025. Intensive surveillance within the 1-kilometer quarantine zone will begin today, May 7, 2025, followed by monitoring and disinfection measures.
Moving forward, DA RFO V, in close coordination with the BAI and local government units, will implement sustained disease control operations including surveillance within 1-km and 7-km zones and thorough cleaning and disinfection of affected sites to prevent further spread.
Rest assured that BAI is committed to protecting the Philippine’s poultry industry from the threat of avian influenza and will maintain close cooperation with other government agencies and stakeholders. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any unusual poultry deaths or signs of illness to local authorities for immediate action.
Source: PIA Bicol Region