THE Philippines has confirmed its first case of the H5N9 avian influenza strain in Camaligan, Camarines Sur, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

The detection came after duck samples from the region tested positive for the highly pathogenic virus.

As reported by Inquirer.net, the BAI has activated containment and control protocols in the Bicol Region. These include quarantine zones, the culling of affected birds, and heightened surveillance within one- and seven-kilometer radii of the affected sites. Disinfection and coordination with local government units are ongoing.

The H5N9 strain, while severe among birds, is considered to pose low risk to humans unless there is prolonged or repeated exposure. Authorities emphasized the importance of biosecurity measures, especially in poultry farms and wet markets.

According to the DA, four regions and eight provinces across the country remain affected by avian influenza as of April 25. These include parts of Luzon such as Benguet, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Manila.

The Philippines' first encounter with bird flu was in 2005, during a global outbreak that severely disrupted poultry industries across Asia.(John Clyron Matillano, CTU-TC Intern)

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• #Camarines Sur
• #H5N9 Avian Influenza
• #Department of Agriculture
• #Bureau of Animal Industry
• #BAI
• #Bicol Region
• #Duck Samples