CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela -- The Department of Agriculture Region 2 (DA-RO2) announced Tuesday the first confirmed case of highly-pathogenic avian influenza in region two, specifically the H5N1 strain which is affecting poultry animals in Purok 4, 6 and 7 in Brgy. Marabulig 2, Cauayan City.
The DA has immediately ordered stricter preventive and biosecurity measures to contain the spread of the bird flu.
DA-RO2, in partnership with the Isabela Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) and the City Veterinary Office of Cauayan, jointly conducted briefing on integrated disease control measures such as proper management, control and arrest of the spread of bird flu incidence in Marabulig 2.
The DA said that the team humanely culled the infected poultry animals within 1-kilometer radius in red zone infected areas for proper disposal, employing protocols under the Avian Influenza Protection Program.
Immediately, Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Belina Barboza directed all province’s stakeholders, the LGUs and poultry raisers to immediately report suspected cases.
Barboza stressed that the measure was meant to ensure protection of the poultry industry and the health of the general public.
It was reported that the Provincial Veterinary Office is consistently conducting Bird Flu Surveillance Program, collecting blood samples and cloacal swabs for laboratory test on the presence of bird flu virus.
The first cases of H5N1 in the country were found in the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga which are both home to some poultry businesses.
There were reported cases of avian flu in several provinces in Luzon and Mindanao including Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bataan, Laguna, Camarines Sur, Sultan Kudarat, Benguet, North Cotabato, and Davao del Sur.