Bird Flu Tests Negative Near Camarines Norte Duck Farm, DA Confirms

The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that all swab samples collected from chickens and ducks within a one-kilometer radius of a previously affected duck farm in Talisay, Camarines Norte, tested negative for bird flu.

DA Bicol regional executive director Rodel Tornilla confirmed that 137 oropharyngeal swab samples from domestic avian species, including ducks, gamefowls, and chickens, showed no presence of influenza Type A following real-time PCR testing conducted on December 12.

Affected and Monitored Areas

Surveillance efforts covered the barangays of San Nicolas, Binanuaan, and San Francisco in Talisay; Awitan and Gahonon in Daet; and Ginacutan in Vinzons. These areas are within the one-kilometer radius of the initial detection site.

The testing followed the December 6 report of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Type A Subtype H5N2 at a duck farm in Talisay. The initial detection came from routine surveillance conducted by the DA Regional Field Office V in November.

Continued Monitoring and Public Advisory

The DA’s quick response team plans to expand active surveillance to a seven-kilometer radius from the initial sites in Camarines Norte.

The public is urged to:

• Maintain Biosecurity Measures: Practice proper handwashing after handling birds or poultry.
• Report Irregularities: Immediately notify the DA or the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) about any unusual sickness or deaths in birds.

This proactive monitoring highlights the importance of early detection and stringent biosecurity practices to prevent the spread of avian diseases.