The Philippines confirmed its first case of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) type A subtype H5N9 in ducks in Camaligan, Camarines Sur, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said Wednesday.
The BAI’s Animal Disease Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory detected the virus in samples collected on April 30, 2025 during routine surveillance by the Department of Agriculture’s Regional Field Office V.
The agency said it immediately implemented disease control measures, including quarantine, culling, surveillance and coordination with local authorities. The Department of Health has been alerted to monitor potential human exposure.
While H5N9 is highly pathogenic to birds, the BAI noted that current global assessments indicate it poses a low risk to humans. The Department of Agriculture’s Regional Field Office V has activated its command center and convened its Regional Quick Response Team to enforce control protocols.
