Misamis Occidental Acts Swiftly to Contain Avian Influenza in Bonifacio

 

Emergency meeting on the Avian Influenza disease incident in Linconan, Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental. 

The Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, under the leadership of Governor Henry S. Oaminal and through the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), acted immediately upon confirmation of Avian Influenza Subtype H5N1 in Barangay Linconan, Bonifacio.

Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, is a viral disease that mainly affects birds, particularly poultry such as chickens and ducks. The subtype H5N1 is highly contagious among birds and can cause severe illness in infected flocks, while human infection is rare and does not spread easily from person to person, usually occurring only through close and direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments, such as handling sick poultry without proper protection.

Following the positive laboratory results from poultry farms owned by Mr. Reynold M. Gapo, Mr. Marcelino B. Salinas Sr., and the adjacent flock of Mr. Marcelino B. Salinas Jr., the province, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office X (DA-RFO X) and the Municipal Government of Bonifacio, convened an emergency meeting on January 20, 2026.

As swift measures to contain the outbreak, the Provincial Government, guided by Governor Oaminal, issued Executive Order No. 04, Series of 2026, temporarily prohibiting the movement of animals from Barangay Linconan, intensified surveillance within a one-kilometer radius of affected farms, conducted epidemiological investigations including interviews and sampling of nearby animals, coordinated with the Department of Health to screen farmers and household members for potential human exposure, and depopulated infected poultry while carrying out thorough disinfection of the affected areas on January 21, 2026.

In response to the impact on affected farmers, the Provincial Government will provide livelihood assistance for the three (3) poultry farmers affected by the Avian Influenza incident, with each farmer set to receive ₱50,000.00, for a total assistance amount of ₱150,000.00, to help them recover and restore their livelihoods while containment and recovery measures are underway.

The Provincial Veterinary Office assures the public that continuous monitoring will be maintained to prevent further spread and to protect both poultry and human health in the area. (PGMO)

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