DA confirms 1st case of H5N9 bird flu strain in PH

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) on Wednesday confirmed the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) Type A Subtype H5N9 in Camaligan, Camarines Sur.

In a statement, the BAI said this is the first time it logged the strain in the country, which is highly pathogenic only among birds but not in humans.

“On April 30, 2025, the BAI-Animal Disease Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory reported positive results from duck samples collected during a routine surveillance by DA Regional Field Office Bicol,” it said.

Effective Wednesday, the DA-Bicol region implemented intensive surveillance within the one-kilometer quarantine zone alongside close monitoring and disinfection to prevent the spread of HPAI or bird flu.

On Tuesday, it immediately culled and disposed of the remaining ducks in the affected farms in the area.

The BAI, meanwhile, urged the public to remain vigilant and report unusual poultry deaths or sickness to the nearest local authorities.

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

As of April 25, the BAI said two barangays in Mexico, Pampanga, have ongoing cases of bird flu H5N1 strain among ducks and native chickens. (PNA)

(2025/05/07-10:56)