By Nimfa Estrellado Poultry industry (Photo from Wikimedia) LUCENA CITY - Quezon province can return to normal operations and resume its...
 |
| Poultry industry (Photo from Wikimedia) |
LUCENA CITY - Quezon province can return to normal operations and resume its poultry industry without fear of an avian influenza outbreak after the Department of Agriculture (DA) declared it free of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
According to Memorandum Circular No. 38 Series of 2023, signed by DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban on August 23, 2023, Quezon province has successfully completed the required surveillance and testing protocols, confirming the absence of avian influenza in its poultry population.
This declaration is a significant milestone for Quezon province, as it signifies the successful containment and eradication of avian influenza within its poultry industry. The DA's declaration will not only restore confidence among local poultry farmers but also pave the way for the province to regain its position as a major player in the poultry market.
The most recent cases of avian influenza in Quezon Province occurred on April 4 and 14, 2023. Two (2) confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Subtype H5N1 were recorded in Barangay Pahinga Sur in the town of Candelaria, where ducks and quail were affected.
The Quezon Provincial Government immediately contacted the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to handle the outbreak and put essential controls in place to stop the virus's spread. The government was able to protect not only the local poultry industry but also public health and safety by moving immediately and collaborating with the proper agencies.
According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Quezon produced up to 70,563.90 metric tons of chickens, or 3.8% of the nation's total supply of 1.87 million metric tons.
Quezon also recorded up to 455.24 metric tons of ducks, or 1.7% of the total 26,250.52 metric tons of duck supply nationwide, as well as up to 11,661.25 metric tons of chicken eggs and 1,552.42 metric tons of duck eggs last year.
These numbers highlight the significant contribution of Quezon to the poultry industry in the Philippines. The production of both chickens and ducks, as well as eggs, not only supports the local economy but also plays a crucial role in meeting the demand for poultry products nationwide.
No comments