In 2022, a team from the Office of the Provincial Veterinary of Sultan Kudarat was dispatched to conduct a surveillance activity in Bagumbayan town and validate the presence of avian influenza in the area. (File photo courtesy of OPVet Sultan Kudarat)
TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat (PIA) -- Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has recently issued the bird-flu-free declaration for Sultan Kudarat, clearing the province of avian influenza (AI) or bird flu.
The DA released the declaration on March 26 following the negative AI test results from surveillance, more than 90 days after the last cleaning and disinfection operations.
The bird-flu-free status means that the movement of birds, including chickens, ducks, and other poultry products, is allowed within and outside the province.
Dr. Edwin S. Nacito, provincial veterinarian, however, emphasized that they will not let their guards down to ensure that a possible re-emergence of the bird flu in the province will not occur.
“While the DA already declared the province bird flu-free, we are doing our best to ensure that the virus will not re-enter by continuing quarantine measures like placing veterinary checkpoints at the province's main entrance points,” he pointed out.
He said the province reported its first cases of H5N1 in March 2022, after authorities discovered cases in Tacurong City, including the towns of Isulan, Lebak, Lutayan, and President Quirino.
Provincial Veterinarian Edwin Nacito disclosed that Sultan Kudarat's first cases of H5N1 were in March 2022, after they found cases in Tacurong City, including the towns of Isulan, Lebak, Lutayan, and President Quirino. The official said that they will continue to monitor poultry farms in the province to ensure that no such cases will happen again in the area, despite being already cleared of avian influenza by the Department of Agriculture. (File photo courtesy of OPVet Sultan Kudarat)
Nacito recounted that upon detection, the provincial government, along with the DA and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), conducted a disease investigation, immediate depopulation, cleaning and disinfection, movement restrictions, and surveillance in the affected areas.
The official also noted that the government provided financial assistance to farmers whose poultry farms were hit by the avian influenza virus.
The indemnification payment served as compensation for culled animals, particularly ducks and quails.
Based on the provincial government’s record, the value of affected poultry products during the bird flu outbreak was estimated to reach over P600,000.
As part of the preventive measure, Nacito also reminded poultry raisers to improve their biosecurity to shield their farms from various diseases.
Data from BAI showed that as of March 26, nine provinces, including 55 municipalities and 132 barangays in the country, are still affected by the avian flu.
Despite the DA's bird-flu-free declaration in Sultan Kudarat, the city government of Tacurong, through its City Veterinary Services Office, has proactively conducted active surveillance at its Baras Bird Sanctuary to ensure that the area is free of bird-flu infection. The sanctuary provides a habitat for thousands of local and migratory birds. (Photo courtesy of the city government of Tacurong)
Meanwhile, the city government of Tacurong also continues its active surveillance, especially at its renowned Baras Bird Sanctuary.
“Tacurong City may be considered one of the high-risk areas due to the presence of a large number of transient ducks and the presence of the bird sanctuary,” said City Veterinarian Allan R. Alimajen Jr.
Baras Bird Sanctuary is a vital wetland area in the country that is perched on a two-hectare plot of land and provides a habitat for thousands of local and migratory birds, including the Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, and Rufous Night Heron.
According to him, the City Veterinary Services Office regularly collects blood samples and saliva swabs from birds during surveillance testing in the tourist spot.
“Overall, surveillance is a critical component of bird flu control strategies, helping to detect outbreaks early, monitor virus activity, assess risks, and inform control measures to protect both animal and human health,” Alimajen further explained, citing all the necessary measures to be taken to protect the city from bird flu. (ORVR - PIA Sultan Kudarat)
