The Department of Agriculture on Wednesday confirmed the detection of a highly pathogenic avian influenza or HPAI strain, specifically A(H5N6), in an egg-producing farm in San Luis, Pampanga.
And after confirming the report, a composite team of veterinarians and animal health officials immediately applied control measures at the infected farm.
“The team humanely culled a total of 38,701 layers and disposed of them properly, employing the protocols under the Avian Influenza Protection Program of the Philippine government,” an official said in a report to Agriculture Secretary William Dar.
“We commend the [Agriculture] team for its strong partnership with the local government officials and veterinarians in Pampanga for successfully managing, controlling and containing the bird flu incidence in San Luis,” Dar said.
All personnel involved in the disease control measures were strictly monitored by the health office of San Luis, Bureau of Animal Industry Director Ronnie Domingo said. He assured the public that the A(H5N6) had not been reported and detected among broilers, the primary source of poultry meat.
Domingo said early reporting, detection and strong multi-agency collaboration paved the way for the rapid and effective response in the management of the incidence.
Initial investigation showed the presence in San Luis of migratory birds, which has been associated with the bird flu outbreaks in many countries including the Philippines.
Domingo said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources had identified 117 important bird areas in the country, and that about 150,000 migratory birds nest and breed annually in Central Luzon.
As a result, he urged poultry raisers in Central Luzon to protect and shield their farms from migratory birds.