Bataan bird flu-free

MANILA, Philippines — The province of Bataan has been cleared from avian influenza or bird flu.

In memorandum circular issued recently, Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban declared Bataan free from avian influenza.

Panganiban said the province tested negative for the disease based on the monitoring of the one-to-seven-kilometer surveillance zones surrounding the affected farms.

“The last HPAI H5N1 laboratory detection in Bataan was on March 22,” the circular read.

Outbreaks were detected in two provinces in March after a backyard duck farm tested positive for the virus.

The outbreaks prompted local government units, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), to implement disease control measures such as stamping out, cleansing and disinfection as well as other quarantine activities to prevent the spread of the disease.

The DA said more than 40 days have lapsed since the last cleanup and disinfection operations were conducted in affected areas, in accordance with the World Organization of the Animal Health (WHOAH) Terrestrial Code and the Avian Influenza Protection.

Based on Article 10.4.6. of the WHOAH, a country or zone may regain the avian influenza-free status at least 28 days after completing the stamping out activity, disinfection and surveillance resulting in the absence of infection.

The BAI said the avian influenza could be spread through migratory or local wild birds, late or non-reporting of suspected cases and illegal movement of infected birds.

As of Oct. 20, BAI data showed 18 provinces in nine regions still have confirmed bird flu cases.