The Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has confirmed the country’s first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N9, which was detected in ducks from Camaligan, Camarines Sur.
The announcement comes after the BAI-Animal Disease Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory (BAI-ADDRL) reported positive results on April 30, 2025, from samples collected during routine surveillance by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office V (DA-RFO V).
H5N9 is highly contagious among birds, but experts say it poses little risk to humans. To contain the virus, BAI quickly put control measures in place, including quarantine, culling, and stricter monitoring. They also alerted health officials to watch for any possible human exposure.
Containment and surveillance
The DA-RFO V has activated its Command Center and deployed the Regional Quick Response Team to enforce containment protocols.
Coordination meetings with the regional, provincial, and municipal authorities have ensured a unified approach.
On May 6, affected farms began culling and disposing of infected ducks.
Intensive surveillance within the designated 1-km quarantine zone was scheduled to begin on May 7, with additional monitoring and disinfection measures to follow.
Moving forward, DA-RFO V, in collaboration with BAI and local government units, will implement sustained disease control efforts, including ongoing surveillance within 1-km and 7-km zones and thorough disinfection of affected sites to prevent any further spread.
Vigilance and cooperation
BAI reassures the public of its commitment to protecting the country’s poultry industry and urges vigilance.
Authorities encourage citizens to report any unusual poultry deaths or signs of illness to prevent potential outbreaks.