The Department of Agriculture (DA) has declared Camarines Norte free from avian influenza (AI), following effective containment measures and surveillance. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed the resolution of the outbreak, which began last December when the H5N2 strain of AI was detected on a backyard duck farm in Talisay.
The DA acted swiftly with depopulation of the affected farm, thorough disinfection, and movement restrictions, along with enhanced surveillance within a 7-kilometer radius. After 28 days without new cases, the province met the World Organization for Animal Health’s standards for regaining AI-free status.
This success highlights the importance of rapid response and vigilance in maintaining farm health. Camarines Norte’s poultry, accounting for a small percentage of the national inventory, remained stable through the prompt action. Currently, other areas like Kalinga, Benguet, and several regions in Luzon remain under AI monitoring.
The DA approach showcases the critical role of comprehensive farm health policies in preventing the spread of diseases that could impact food security and agricultural livelihoods across the country.
