TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture-8 has confirmed the first case of avian influenza or bird flu in Eastern Visayas on Monday, March 25.

The agency made the declaration following photos and videos circulating online of chickens being buried at the Leyte Poultry Development Corp. in Sitio Canlutaw, Barangay Naghalin, Kananga, Leyte, recently.

DA-8 Regional Director Andrew Orais said that the virus could have been transmitted by migratory birds or the illegal movement of infected birds from other areas.

Last month, farm workers reportedly observed nasal discharges, swollen heads, and gasping from the chickens, which led to exponential mortalities from the breeder farm.

The situation was reported to the DA on March 12 by the local government unit of Kananga and rapid tests were conducted which turned out positive.

"The situation is located within the farm, not outside the farm, so it's more of the controlled condition of the area," Orais said.

Palompon, Leyte, Mayor Ramon Oñate had earlier expressed alarm over the dumping of 60,000 chickens in the farm.

He has called on Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga, Health Secretary Teodora Herbosa, and Bureau of Animal Industry Director Enrico Miguel Capulong to investigate the incident and take appropriate measures to address the potential risks and prevent harm to the environment.

"The sudden and extensive mortality rate among the chickens has raised fears that there is already an epidemic in the said area such as bird flu which may affect other poultry farms in neighboring municipalities such my town in Palompon, Leyte," the mayor said.

The LPDC has yet to issue a statement on the matter.