MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has confirmed the country’s first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N9 in Camaligan town, Camarines Sur.

In a statement Wednesday, the BAI said the virus was detected in duck samples collected during routine surveillance by the Department of Agriculture’s Regional Field Office V (DA-RFO V). Laboratory tests conducted on April 30 by the BAI Animal Disease Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory returned positive results for H5N9.

The agency said the strain is highly pathogenic in birds but currently poses a low risk to human health based on international assessments.

Containment measures were immediately rolled out, including the imposition of a quarantine zone, culling of infected animals, and disinfection of affected sites. The Department of Health has been alerted to monitor potential human exposure.

DA-RFO V officials said the regional quick response team has been mobilized, and coordination meetings with the provincial and municipal governments have been conducted to implement disease control protocols.

Culling and proper disposal of ducks from infected farms were carried out on May 6. Intensive surveillance within a 1-kilometer radius of the infection site begins Wednesday, with monitoring and cleanup operations to follow.

Authorities said surveillance will be extended to cover areas within a 7-kilometer radius to prevent further spread of the virus.

The BAI urged poultry farmers and local residents to report any unusual bird deaths or signs of avian illness to veterinary authorities for prompt action.