The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has officially confirmed the country’s first case of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Type A Subtype H5N9 in Camarines Sur, raising biosecurity alerts within the poultry sector.
The virus was detected in duck samples collected from the municipality of Camaligan during routine monitoring operations by the Department of Agriculture’s Regional Field Office V (DA-RFO V). These samples were analyzed by the BAI-Animal Disease Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory (BAI-ADDRL), with test results released on April 30, 2025.
While the H5N9 virus is highly fatal among birds, international health agencies have so far categorized it as posing a low risk to humans. Nonetheless, the Department of Health (DOH) has been alerted to monitor for any possible cases of human exposure.
In response, DA-RFO V, under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Rodel Tornilla, swiftly activated its Command Center and Regional Quick Response Team. These units began implementing standard containment protocols, which included quarantine of the affected area, culling of exposed birds, and thorough disinfection procedures. As of May 6, the culling and safe disposal of all ducks in the infected farms have been completed.
Starting Wednesday, May 7, authorities began heightened surveillance in a 1-kilometer radius from the infection site. Monitoring will also extend to a 7-kilometer surveillance zone to prevent the potential spread of the virus.
“The BAI is dedicated to safeguarding the country’s poultry industry from the threat of avian influenza,” the agency stated. “We will continue to work closely with other government agencies and stakeholders to mitigate any further risks.”
The BAI is calling on poultry farmers and the general public to remain vigilant. They are encouraged to report any sudden deaths or abnormal behaviors among domestic fowl to local agricultural offices or veterinarians immediately.
This marks the first reported H5N9 case in the Philippines, adding to the global list of emerging avian influenza subtypes. Agriculture authorities remain on high alert to contain the virus and protect both the poultry industry and public health.