THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday declared Davao del Sur free of avian influenza or bird flu.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed the declaration through Memorandum Circular 16, Series of 2026, on March 26.
In November 2025, laboratory tests confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) Subtype H5 affecting a backyard duck farm in the municipality of Magsaysay, Davao del Sur.
Officials of Magsaysay and the provincial government of Davao del Sur worked with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (Darfo) in Davao and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to conduct disease investigation, immediate depopulation, cleaning and disinfection, movement restrictions and surveillance in the affected areas, following the guidelines of the Avian Influenza Protection Program.
Influenza type A virus test results from continued disease monitoring in the 1-kilometer (km) and 7-km surveillance zones surrounding the affected farms yielded negative results, the DA said, adding that initial and final cleaning and disinfection operations have been concluded.
Article 10.4.6 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (2022) of the World Organization for Animal Health says that a previously avian influenza-free country or zone may regain its status after at least 28 days following the completion of a stamping-out policy, disinfection of the last affected establishment and subsequent surveillance proving the absence of infection.
“A stable, disease-free environment encourages investments, supports job creation across the value chain, and ultimately ensures better and more reliable income for our farmers,” Tiu Laurel said.
The DA also acknowledged analysts’ recommendations that continued investment in biosecurity, especially among backyard farmers, are crucial in preventing further outbreaks and economic disruptions.
Prior to confirming the HPAI Subtype H5 case in the province last November, the DA had reported HPAI H5N1 cases in 2022.
In response, the local government unit, Darfo and BAI promptly addressed the risk of additional spread from contaminated premises by collaborating to implement efficient disease control measures, such as stamping out, cleaning and disinfection, biosecurity and other quarantine activities.
Any evidence of a recurrence of avian influenza in the province must be immediately communicated to concerned offices, the DA said.
