The Department of Agriculture (DA) has declared the Province of Rizal as Avian Influenza-free following the province’s strict quarantine measures that effectively controlled and eradicated the incidence of AI within the prescribed 28 days period of isolation.
Based on DA Memorandum Circular No. 1 issued by Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban on January 4, 2023, a minimum period of 28 days is needed to declare an infected zone AI-free after stamping-out measures and disinfection of the last affected establishment were carried out.
The declaration is based on Article 10.4.6 of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Terrestrial Animal Health Code (2021), which provides that the Avian Influenza free status of a previously free country or zone may be regained.
The DA Regional Field Office, Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), and the local government unit (LGU) jointly conducted disease control measures such as stamping out, cleaning and disinfection, and other quarantine activities to effectively manage the risk of further infection.
The Avian Influenza Protection Program (AIPP) with Rizal Province reported no new incidents even after more 40 days had passed since the end of the clean-up and disinfection operations in accordance with the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Code.
Three separate bouts of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N1 were reported from June to July 2022 in Rizal Province in the Municipality of Rodriguez affecting a commercial chicken layer farm, a backyard free-range chicken farm, and a commercial contract grower farm.
To prevent the entry of HPAI virus and protect the local poultry industry, the DA issued a directive to temporarily ban the importation of domestic and wild birds and poultry products from countries with confirmed AI virus outbreaks.
The importation of domestic and wild birds and their products, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen, from Poland, Ireland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Chinese Taipei, Ecuador, Moldova, and Peru is banned until the order is revoked.
Panganiban also ordered for the immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of the application, and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) import clearance to the above-stated commodities.
AI is a highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild birds. HPAI, on the other hand, can cause severe clinical signs and possible high mortality rates, especially in domestic poultry.