By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Department of Agriculture has officially declared Western Visayas free from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, following extensive surveillance and testing across the region.
In a memorandum signed May 5, the DA announced a temporary waiver of bird flu testing requirements for the shipment of live poultry, birds, eggs, and poultry products and by-products—except live ducks—originating from Region 6 provinces, including Negros Occidental.
The waiver is effective until July 15 and applies to both backyard and commercial poultry farms.
Region 6, composed of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental, conducted intensive surveillance in high-risk areas.
Negative test results were submitted to the Bureau of Animal Industry, meeting the conditions of DA Memorandum Circular No. 38, Series of 2022.
The declaration allows unhampered movement of poultry and related products nationwide, provided farms comply with other documentary requirements under DA Administrative Order No. 5, Series of 2019.
The only recorded HPAI case in the region, reported in Capiz in December 2022, was resolved, and the province’s bird flu-free status was reinstated on July 4, 2023, through DA MC No. 27, Series of 2023.
The DA emphasized that the waiver does not exempt farms from monitoring.
Provincial veterinary offices must submit monthly negative HPAI monitoring reports to the BAI to maintain the disease-free status.
Any confirmed HPAI case within the region will result in immediate suspension of the waiver and a return to stricter measures under DA MC No. 43, Series of 2022.
The waiver aims to support local poultry producers by facilitating trade while ensuring public health through continued disease surveillance.
The surveillance data will also help maintain the country’s recognition from the World Organization for Animal Health, the global authority on animal health standards.
“This declaration is a testament to the region’s strong biosecurity practices, vigilant monitoring, and collaboration among stakeholders,” the DA said in a statement.
“It paves the way for faster trade, reduced logistical burdens, and greater confidence in the health and safety of Western Visayas’ poultry sector,” the department added.
The DA thanked local government units, poultry raisers, industry partners, and frontline personnel for helping sustain the bird flu-free status of the region.
