PH reports 1st case of ‘highly pathogenic’ H5N9 in CamSur duck farms

The Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on Wednesday confirmed the detection of the country’s first case of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) Type A Subtype H5N9 in several duck farms in Camaligan, Camarines Sur.

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

It said that the subtype H5N9, while highly pathogenic in birds, “poses low risk to humans based on current global assessments.”

Following the detection, the BAI said it promptly endorsed disease control measures to DA-RFO V, including immediate quarantine, culling, surveillance, and coordination with local authorities, and notified the Department of Health (DOH) to monitor any potential human exposure.

The DA-RFO V had also activated its Command Center and convened its Regional Quick Response Team to enforce control protocols.

The agency said coordination meetings with the regional DOH, the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, and the Municipality of Camaligan have also been conducted to streamline actions.

“Culling and proper disposal of the remaining ducks in the affected farms were done on May 6, 2025,” it said.

“Intensive surveillance within the one-kilometer quarantine zone will begin today, May 7, 2025, followed by monitoring and disinfection measures,” it added.

The DA RFO V, in close coordination with the BAI and local government units, will also implement sustained disease control operations including surveillance within the one-kilometer and seven-kilometer zones and thorough cleaning and disinfection of affected sites to prevent further spread.

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

“We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any unusual poultry deaths or signs of illness to local authorities for immediate action,” it added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News