The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has confirmed the Philippines’ first case of highly pathogenic H5N9 bird flu in ducks from Camaligan, Camarines Sur.

In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said the virus was detected during routine surveillance, with samples testing positive on 30 April.

Following the confirmation, the BAI ordered “immediate quarantine, culling, surveillance, and coordination with local authorities,” and notified the Department of Health “to monitor any potential human exposure.”

The agency said H5N9, while deadly to birds, poses a low risk to humans based on current global assessments.

“Culling and proper disposal of the remaining ducks in the affected farms were done on 6 May. Intensive surveillance within the 1-kilometer quarantine zone will begin today, 7 May, followed by monitoring and disinfection measures,” BAI said.

The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office V, in coordination with the BAI and local government units, will carry out sustained disease control operations, including surveillance within 1-kilometer and 7-kilometer zones, along with thorough cleaning and disinfection of affected sites.

While it remains committed to protecting the country’s poultry industry from avian influenza, BAI urged the public to stay alert and report any unusual poultry deaths or signs of illness to local authorities.