SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, CAMARINES SUR – All 137 oropharyngeal swab samples collected from domestic avian species within the 1-kilometer radius surrounding the previously HPAI Subtype H5N2 affected farm in Talisay, Camarines Norte, tested negative for HPAI.
This was announced by DA Bicol Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla after the negative results of the real time PCR for influenza Type A test conducted by the Department of Agriculture RFO 5 Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) on the surveillance samples were transmitted to him on December 12.
Director Tornilla said that the 1-kilometer radius surveillance areas from the 2 ground zero included the barangays of San Nicolas, Binanuaan, and San Francisco in the town of Talisay; barangays Awitan and Gahonon in Daet; and Bgy. Ginacutan in Vinzons all in Camarines Norte.
The oropharyngeal swab samples were taken from domestic avian species such as ducks, gamefowl, and chicken from various owners in the aforementioned barangays.
The DA Bicol Regional Quick Response Team (RQRT) will continue to conduct active surveillance in the next 7-kilometer radius from the 2 ground zero in Camarines Norte. The public is still urged to observe biosecurity measures such as proper handwashing after exposure to any kinds of birds, poultry.
Report any unusual sickness or deaths in birds to the Department of Agriculture or to the Bureau of Animal Industry of local and provincial agriculture offices in your area.
