July 31, 2024

Bird flu detected at commercial chicken farm in Tarlac, Philippines

Chickens at a commercial farm in Tarlac province, the Philippines, have tested positive for bird flu, the Philippine Egg Board Association (PEBA) said, The Philippine Star reported.

The farm had sold chickens to traders before discovering the bird flu outbreak, according to PEBA president Francis Uyehara.

"The chickens were being transported when they died. Upon examination, the chickens tested positive for bird flu," Uyehara stated.

PEBA has urged the Philippines' Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration to expedite the approval of the bird flu vaccine.

"We are considering that there are other farms that do not report or test their chicken for bird flu," Uyehara said. "This is the reason why we don't have a clear reference on the extent of the bird flu problem."

The commercialisation of the vaccine is currently being discussed, with field trials ongoing.

-      The Philippine Star