The Department of Agriculture (DA) has officially declared Camarines Norte free from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N2, months after the virus was detected in the province.

In Memorandum Circular 06 dated March 4, 2025, the DA confirmed one case of bird flu in a backyard duck farm in Talisay in December 2024.

Following the detection, authorities immediately conducted disease investigation, depopulation, disinfection, and movement restrictions in line with the Avian Influenza Protection Program (AIPP).

The province also met the 28-day disease-free requirement set by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) to regain its avian influenza-free status.

"Initial and final cleaning and disinfection operations were completed and surveillance activities within one-km and seven-km radius yielded negative Al (Avian Influenza) test results," the memorandum added.

DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. signed the memorandum declaring Camarines Norte free of bird flu but warned that any new cases would immediately revoke the status.