Philippine reports new outbreak of bird flu

MANILA, Philippines — New outbreaks of the avian influenza or bird flu have been detected in quail and duck farms in Bulacan, Pampanga, Laguna and Camarines Sur, the Philippines said in a report to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

In a follow up report to the OIE, the Philippines said there are new outbreaks of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in eight new areas in the country.

Among these areas in Central Luzon are the barangays of Saint Roch and Dagat-Dagatan in Bulacan, and Santa Catalina and San Lorenzo in Pampanga.

The Philippines also reported that outbreaks were detected in the barangays of Calagbangan, San Agustin, San Isidro in Camarines Sur.

In addition, an outbreak was also reported in the barangay of San Roque, Laguna.
Based on the OIE report a total of 44,390 birds died due to the virus, while 38,808 birds were killed or disposed of.

Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) director Reildrin Morales said earlier that the disease was first detected on Jan.6, from a duck farm, in Barangay Barangka, Baliuag, Bulacan, through routine surveillance activities implemented by Department of Agriculture-BAI as part of its early warning system.

An outbreak was reported on Jan. 21 from two commercial quail farms, in barangay Dalayap, Candaba, Pampanga; and on Jan. 27 from a quail farm, in barangay Mangga, Candaba, Pampanga.

In addition, cases were reported on Feb. 11 from two adjacent quail farms in barangay San Antonio, Mexico, Pampanga.

According to the follow up report to the OIE, the Philippines has resolved the four earlier outbreaks.

Morales said earlier that upon confirmation of the virus, the DA-BAI with the respective municipal veterinary authorities promptly culled and properly disposed of all birds in affected quail and duck farms.

Following the established protocol under the Avian Influenza Preparedness Plan, the DA said an immediate disease investigation (trace back/trace forward) and surveillance in the one-kilometer quarantine zone around the infected farms were conducted.

It added that the concerned LGUs of Pampanga and Bulacan, and the Department of Health were informed of the outbreaks so that coordinated action can be undertaken to avoid the risk of transmission to humans.

The DA has also issued guidelines on the local movement of poultry and poultry products in quarantine zones.