First case of HPAI detected in CamSur

By Rhaydz Barcia

Legazpi City — The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has confirmed the country’s first case of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) Type A Subtype H5N9, detected in Camaligan, Camarines Sur.

In a statement issued Wednesday, BAI said that on April 30, 2025, its Animal Disease Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory (BAI-ADDRL) reported positive results from duck samples collected during a routine surveillance by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office V (DA-RFO V).

“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. Subtype H5N9, while highly pathogenic in birds, poses a low risk to humans based on current global assessments,” the statement read.

Following the confirmation, the BAI immediately endorsed disease control measures to DA-RFO V, including the enforcement of quarantine protocols, culling of infected poultry, intensified surveillance, and coordination with local authorities. The Department of Health (DOH) was also notified to monitor any potential human exposure.

DA Bicol Regional Executive Director Rodel Tornilla activated the command center and convened the Regional Quick Response Team to implement control protocols.

Culling and proper disposal of ducks in the affected farms were carried out on May 6. Intensive surveillance within the 1-kilometer quarantine zone begins today, May 7, to be followed by monitoring and disinfection operations.

Coordination meetings have also been held with DOH Bicol, the provincial government of Camarines Sur, and the municipal government of Camaligan to streamline response efforts.

The Department of Agriculture in Bicol continues to work closely with the BAI and local government units to sustain disease control operations, including surveillance within 1-km and 7-km zones and comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of affected sites to prevent further spread.

The BAI urged the public to stay vigilant and immediately report any unusual poultry deaths or signs of illness to local authorities.

“Rest assured that BAI is committed to protecting the Philippine poultry industry from the threat of avian influenza and will maintain close coordination with other government agencies and stakeholders,” the agency said.