• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The avian influenza (AI) testing per shipment of live poultry, other bird species, eggs, and poultry products and byproducts, except live ducks, coming from Negros Island Region (NIR) is waived until Sept. 3, the Department of Agriculture-NIR said.
The testing waiver, under Bureau of Animal Industry Memorandum Circular 27-2026, dated June 1, followed surveillance data of the DA-Regional Field Office on zero incidence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) across the NIR, to date.
“The negative test result for HPAI submitted to the BAI shall be used as basis for backyard and commercial farms in the region to be allowed to transport their commodities to their respective destinations, and shall be used as basis for the issuance/concurrence of the Veterinary Health Certificate by the government veterinarian to attest AI-free status of the farms,” the circular added.
The DA-NIR, however, urged poultry growers, processors, and stakeholders to continue observing all existing animal health, biosecurity, transport, and regulatory requirements to help protect the poultry industry and sustain the region’s disease-free status.
Last year, the DA-BAI confirmed the detection of HPAI Type A Subtype H5N9 in Camarines Sur, per Philippine News Agency report, adding the strain was highly pathogenic only among birds but not in humans. | CGC
