The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has assured consumers that poultry products, including chicken meat and eggs, remain safe to eat despite a confirmed case of Avian Influenza (AI) in Camarines Sur earlier this month.
In a statement released Monday, the BAI said the outbreak — involving the H5N9 strain detected in duck samples from Camaligan — has been fully resolved following immediate quarantine, culling, and disinfection efforts. Subsequent surveillance and testing in the area returned negative results for AI Type A, confirming containment.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) emphasized that only veterinary-inspected and certified healthy animals are permitted for sale and consumption. Consumers are reminded to buy meat with proper certification and to ensure safe handling and thorough cooking.
As of 16 May, AI continues to affect nine provinces across five regions, based on BAI monitoring. Chicken prices in Metro Manila range from P170 to P230 per kilo, according to DA’s Bantay Presyo.
