Bird flu negative near Camarines Norte duck farm — DA

All the swab samples collected from chickens and ducks within a one-kilometer radius surrounding the previously affected farm in Talisay, Camarines Norte have tested negative for bird flu, a regional field office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Sunday.

DA Bicol regional executive director Rodel Tornilla confirmed this upon receiving the results of the real-time PCR test for influenza Type A on December 12, indicating that all 137 oropharyngeal swab samples tested negative.

Tornilla said that the one-kilometer radius surveillance areas from the two ground zero included the barangays of San Nicolas, Binanuaan, and San Francisco in the town of Talisay; barangays Awitan and Gahonon in Daet; and Barangay Ginacutan in Vinzons. 

The oropharyngeal swab samples were taken from domestic avian species such as ducks, gamefowls, and chickens from various owners in the mentioned barangays.

This, as the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) last Wednesday reported the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Type A Subtype H5N2 in a duck farm located in Talisay, Camarines Norte.

The agency said the positive result was reported on December 6, 2024 by the Animal Disease Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory, following routine surveillance conducted by the DA Regional Field Office V in November.

The regional office said that its quick response team will continue to conduct active surveillance in the next seven-kilometer radius from the 2 ground zero in Camarines Norte.

It also urged the public to continue observing biosecurity measures such as proper handwashing after exposure to any kind of bird or poultry. 

Residents were also advised to report any unusual sickness or deaths in birds to the DA or BAI offices.
—Giselle Ombay/RF, GMA Integrated News