CITY OF MALOLOS – After a lapse of over 90 days since the completion of disease control measures, Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. of the Department of Agriculture declared the Province of Bulacan as Avian Influenza-Free Province last April 23, 2024 through Memorandum Circular No. 14, Series of 2024, following the 10 confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Subtype H5N1 in the province recorded between January 2022 to February 2023.
Accordingly, HPAI was previously detected in City of Baliwag and Municipalities of San Rafael, San Ildefonso, San Miguel, Santa Maria, and Pulilan impacting their poultry farms including ducks, quails, native chickens, chicken layers, broiler breeders, and gamefowl.
However, through the combined efforts of the Provincial Government of Bulacan, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III, and Bureau of Animal Industry, the province attained avian influenza-free status accomplished by conducting disease investigations, promptly depopulating affected areas, conducting thorough cleaning and disinfection procedures, enforcing movement restrictions, and implementing surveillance measures in accordance with the Avian Influenza Protection Program (AIPP) guidelines where continued disease monitoring and surveillance in the 1-km. and 7-km. surveillance zones surrounding the affected farms yielded negative test results for influenza type A virus.
Meanwhile, Governor Daniel R. Fernando reminded poultry farmers to always follow biosecurity protocols and promote proper cleaning and disinfection of equipment and surroundings of their respective farms.
“Let us remain vigilant and continue to prioritize the health and safety of our poultry industry. Agad na ipagbigay-alam sa lokal na awtoridad o ahensya ng agrikultura kapag mayroong mga palatandaan ng sakit sa iyong manok o iba pang mga hayop. Ang maagap na pagkilos ay makatutulong upang mapigilan ang pagkalat ng sakit,” the People’s Governor said.
