MANILA, Philippines — New cases of bird flu have been detected in the provinces of Isabela, Cotabato and South Cotabato, although authorities assured the public that the infections were localized and under control.
The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), said that cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) were reported in Gamu and Cauayan City in Isabela as well as in Mlang in Cotabato and Norala in South Cotabato.
The BAI said the infections have been contained and posed no threat to food safety.
“Poultry products from monitored and accredited farms are safe for human consumption,” the BAI said, noting the virus cannot spread if meat and eggs are cooked properly.
The BAI’s animal disease diagnosis and reference laboratory confirmed on Oct. 16 and 28 the presence of the H5N1 strain in commercial farms in Gamu and Cauayan City, respectively.
The presence of the H5N8 subtype in two duck farms in Mlang was confirmed on Oct. 17.
The existence of multiple subtypes H5, H9, N1 and N2 in a commercial duck farm in Norala was confirmed on Oct. 20, the BAI said.
The ducks had been transferred to Maguindanao del Sur before the test results came out.
The DA has coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery and Agrarian Reform in the Bangsamoro region for the monitoring and implementation of biosecurity measures in affected areas.