May 19, 2025

Philippine province Albay bans entry of live poultry, by-products from neighbouring area Camarines Sur

The Albay provincial veterinary office in the Philippines has intensified border control measures by prohibiting the entry of all live avian species originating from Camarines Sur.

In Executive Order 27, issued on May 10, Albay Governor Baby Glenda Ong-Bongao said the ban was in response to the Bureau of Animal Industry's confirmation of the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Camaligan, Camarines Sur.

"Albay is committed to preventing the entry and spread of HPAI in the province by adopting preemptive, science-based biosecurity measures to protect the health of its poultry population and its citizens," the EO read.

Bongao said Albay's geographical proximity to Camarines Sur places the province at high risk for transboundary disease transmission due to the uncontrolled movement of live birds and their by-products.

The province has banned all pigeon racing activities or events that originate from, pass through, or end in Albay and involve birds from Camarines Sur.

The EO added that all shipments of poultry products and live avian species from non-restricted areas must present complete and valid documentation upon entry at the Provincial Animal Quarantine Checkpoints for verification.

The required documents include a veterinary health certificate, a shipping permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry, a certificate of origin, other supporting biosecurity documents, and any additional documents requested by the border inspector.

Bongao said shipments failing to present the required documents will be denied entry and may be subject to confiscation and proper disposal by local and national regulations.

-      Philippine News Agency