The Department of Agriculture confirms that the H656 avian influenza or bird flu was detected in a barangay in Nueva Ecija.
In reports that first appeared on national news sites, a test was done after increased mortalities of 1,500 quails were reported out of a total of 15,000. Agriculture Secretary William Dar stated that samples from a farm in Barangay Ulanin-Pitak were tested last Friday, March 13. These samples were positive for avian influenza.
“The highly-pathogenic avian influenza is a disease of poultry that can affect humans,” Dar said. So far, it has not yet affected humans in the country. Only a handful of human infections have been reported from all over the world.
The Department of Agriculture has now put the area under surveillance. Sec. Dar also clarified that he has banned the sale of quail meat and eggs in the area.
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at story.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community at WIM Squad!
