LUCENA CITY, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has officially declared Quezon province free from avian influenza, or bird flu, following the successful completion of rigorous disease control and surveillance protocols.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel formalized the disease-free status through Memorandum Circular No. 45, Series of 2026, issued on September 24.
Local officials from the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) noted that the clearance is crucial to maintaining the safe production, transport, and trade of poultry and related products across the region.
According to the PVO, the updated health status highlights the ongoing execution of biosecurity protocols, monitoring initiatives, and broader animal health programs aimed at preventing future outbreaks and protecting the livelihoods of local poultry raisers.
Quezon registered bird flu infections earlier this year, triggering swift containment operations and follow-up diagnostic testing by agriculture authorities.
Subsequent rounds of testing consistently yielded negative results, clearing the way for the province’s official recovery declaration.