1st case of H5N2 bird flu in PH detected in Camarines Norte

MANILA, Philippines —  The first-ever case of H5N2 — a bird flu subtype that was found to be transmittable to humans — in the country has been detected in Talisay, Camarines Norte, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday.

The DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry said it was detected in a duck farm last Dec. 6.

“This is the first detection of HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) H5N2 in the country and the first recorded avian influenza case in the province,” the DA said.

The DA said quarantine procedures within the one-kilometer surveillance zone were conducted.

It also said the culling process of the birds in the area where the virus was detected has already been completed since Tuesday.

READ: WHO: First human case of H5N2 bird flu died from multiple factors 

In June, the World Health Organization (WHO) said a person in Mexico had died in the first confirmed human case of the virus.

WHO said the patient had “no history of exposure to poultry or other animals.”

READ: BAI: No confirmed bird flu outbreak in Tarlac