DA: Pangasinan is bird flu-free
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has officially declared Pangasinan free of the H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu.
This announcement came after more than 90 days since the last cleaning, disinfection, and surveillance operations of the agriculture department in the province.
DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban signed Memorandum Circular No. 46 series of 2023, dated September 28, 2023, confirming Pangasinan’s bird flu-free status. This declaration aligns with guidelines from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), stating that an area can regain its bird flu-free status after a minimum of 28 days since the last stamping-out policy, disinfection, and surveillance operations.
The outbreak of the H5N1 subtype in Pangasinan was first confirmed in Barangay Manzon, San Carlos City, on July 26, 2022, following recorded deaths among chicken layers.
However, in spite of the DA’s declaration, the provincial government has issued Executive Order No. 0101, series of 2023, extending the temporary total ban on the entry of various poultry products from other provinces. This precautionary measure is in response to avian and other zoonotic influenza outbreaks in nearby areas. (Ahikam Pasion)
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