Ilocos Norte - Provincial Veterinarian Loida Valenzuela announced that Ilocos Norte is now free from avian influenza, also known as bird flu. The declaration comes after a series of containment measures and surveillance activities conducted in response to the outbreak earlier this year.
According to Philippines News Agency, In February, the Department of Agriculture identified Region 1, including Ilocos Norte, as one of the nine regions affected by bird flu. The affected areas in Ilocos Norte included Laoag City and the towns of Sarrat, Bacarra, and Pasuquin. Valenzuela reported that disease mapping and laboratory surveillance conducted by the Provincial Veterinary Office identified eight towns in District 1 as affected. Following rigorous cleaning and disinfection efforts, all infected poultry farms in the province tested negative for bird flu as of the end of October.
To maintain the province's bird flu-free status, stringent border control measures are being enforced to monitor the transport of live poultry, eggs, and other related products. Valenzuela emphasized the importance of biosecurity measures, including net enclosures for range chickens, and urged the public to report any poultry mortalities promptly. According to the World Organization for Animal Health, a country or zone can regain its avian influenza-free status after a minimum of 28 days following successful containment measures and subsequent surveillance indicating the absence of infection.