Quezon regains bird flu-free status

LUCENA CITY — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has once again declared Quezon province free of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

This situation comes following the implementation of disease control measures and subsequent negative test results.

The provincial government’s Public Information Office (PIO) reported that Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel issued the declaration pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 45 on Sept. 24.

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The circular officially recognizes Quezon as an avian influenza-free province.

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“The declaration is significant in ensuring the continued safe and orderly production and trade of poultry and poultry products in the province,” the PIO said in an advisory on Thursday, Oct. 1.

“It also highlights the sustained implementation of disease surveillance, biosecurity measures, and other programs aimed at maintaining the health of livestock and protecting the livelihoods of poultry raisers,” it added.

Quezon recorded avian influenza cases in the towns of Lucban and Sampaloc in February and March this year, according to the DA.

Following the depopulation of affected poultry, cleaning and disinfection, imposition of movement restrictions, and continued disease monitoring and surveillance, subsequent confirmatory tests yielded negative results.

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Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that naturally circulates among wild birds, particularly aquatic species such as ducks, geese and gulls.

While many wild birds can carry the virus without showing symptoms, certain strains can cause severe outbreaks in domestic poultry and, in rare instances, infect humans. /apl