DA confirms H5N9 bird flu in Camarines Sur, culling ducks

The Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Industry confirmed on Wednesday that a case of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) Type A Subtype H5N9 has been detected in duck farms in Camaligan, Camarines Sur.

On April 30, the DA Regional Field Office V reported positive results from duck samples collected during routine surveillance.

The subtype H5N9 poses a low risk to humans based on global assessments and is the first detection of this strain in the country.

Following detection, immediate quarantine, culling, and surveillance measures were implemented by the BAI in coordination with local authorities and the Department of Health.

Intensive surveillance began within the one-kilometer quarantine zone on May 7, 2025, followed by monitoring and disinfection measures.

The DA RFO V has culled remaining ducks from affected farms to prevent further spread and will continue sustained disease control operations including surveillance within a seven-kilometer zone and thorough cleaning and disinfection of affected sites.

The agency urges the public to report any unusual poultry deaths or signs of illness to local authorities for immediate action.