New avian flu outbreak hits Philippines hinh anh 1Illustrative image (Source: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – The Philippines was hit by a bird flu outbreak in November, according to Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.

Piñol said poultry farmers discovered the outbreak on November 12 in Cabaio town in Nueva Ecija province north of Manila. However, he added the outbreak was successfully contained by the town and agricultural officials.

When officials learned of the outbreak, Piñol said Cabiao Mayor Ramil Rivera ordered the culling of 42,000 chickens, with the task completed by November 22.

Piñol said there is no assurance there will be no further bird flu outbreak in the future but the Department of Agriculture and the sector are better prepared to handle the situation.

Last August, the Philippines reported its first outbreak of bird flu in a poultry farm in Pampanga, a province north of Manila. At least 400,000 birds were slaughtered to stop the disease spreading.-VNA
VNA