Philippines Confirms H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak in Backyard Poultry

PARIS- The Philippines has reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza among backyard poultry in Oriental Mindoro province, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) said on Friday, citing information submitted by Philippine authorities.

According to WOAH, the virus was detected in a flock of 39 birds in the town of Capalan. The affected birds were culled as a precautionary measure to contain the outbreak.

The report marks the latest detection of H5N1, a strain of avian influenza that has spread widely across multiple countries in recent years, causing significant losses in poultry populations and disrupting agricultural production.

Governments and the poultry industry have remained on alert as recurring outbreaks have reduced poultry supplies, contributed to higher food prices and raised concerns among public health officials about the potential risk of transmission to humans.

WOAH, which is headquartered in Paris, said the information was based on an official notification submitted by Philippine authorities. The organization did not provide additional details on the source of the outbreak or whether further surveillance had identified infections beyond the affected flock.

The H5N1 virus was identified in backyard poultry rather than commercial operations. Such flocks often consist of small numbers of birds kept by households and can present additional challenges for disease surveillance and biosecurity.

Authorities culled all 39 birds in the affected flock as part of standard disease-control measures aimed at preventing further spread of the virus.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has led to widespread culling campaigns in many countries over the past several years as veterinary authorities sought to limit transmission among domestic and wild bird populations. The outbreaks have periodically affected international poultry markets and prompted heightened monitoring by animal health agencies.

The latest notification adds the Philippines to the list of countries reporting H5N1 detections as global animal health authorities continue to monitor the spread of the virus and encourage rapid reporting and containment measures.