The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on Wednesday confirmed that a duck farm in Talisay, Camarines Norte has tested positive for the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Type A Subtype H5N2 virus. This marks the first detection of the H5N2 strain in the Philippines, as well as the province’s first recorded case of the avian flu.
The confirmation followed routine surveillance by the Department of Agriculture’s Bicol Regional field office. The Animal Disease Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory in the region identified the virus after conducting regular testing on poultry farms.
In response to the outbreak, the BAI immediately implemented quarantine and biosecurity measures at the affected farm to curb the virus’s spread. The remaining birds on the farm are being culled and disposed of in line with containment protocols.
“We are fully committed to safeguarding the Philippine poultry industry from the threat of avian influenza. We urge the public to stay vigilant and report any unusual poultry deaths or signs of illness to local authorities,” said the BAI in a statement.
The agency also stated that an investigation is underway to trace the movement of birds and assess potential risks. The regional office has activated its command center, and a coordination meeting with the Regional Quick Response Team for Animal Disease and Emergencies was held to ensure a swift and effective response in accordance with the Avian Influenza Protection Program.
As of 6 December 2024, BAI data indicates that two regions, two provinces, two municipalities, and two barangays are still affected by the avian flu. Active cases include a duck farm in Pandi, Bulacan, which has reported an outbreak of H5N1, alongside the recent detection of H5N2 in Camarines Norte.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), as of 1 October 2024, the country’s duck inventory number 14,453,113, with Bulacan accounting for 5.5 percent of the total inventory (792,219 ducks) and Camarines Norte contributing a smaller share of 0.15 percent (21,230 ducks).
BAI assures the public that all necessary steps have been taken to mitigate the risks of further outbreaks, stressing the importance of monitoring poultry health and adhering to safety measures across the sector.
