The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), through the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV), announced a major regulatory update benefiting poultry raisers following sustained negative results from Avian Influenza (AI) surveillance across Central Visayas.
The province, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture—Regional Field Office VII (DA-RFO VII), local government units, and poultry stakeholders, has maintained its favorable Avian Influenza status after continued monitoring and surveillance activities showed no detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the region.
BAI Issues Temporary Waiver on Testing Requirements
With the sustained negative results, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) issued Memorandum Circular No. 25, Series of 2026, on May 29, 2026, which temporarily waives Avian Influenza laboratory testing per shipment for live poultry, other bird species, eggs, poultry products, and by-products (except live ducks) originating from Region VII.
The waiver covers local movement of poultry commodities and will remain in effect until September 23, 2026, subject to compliance with existing animal health and regulatory standards.
Benefits for Poultry Stakeholders
The OPV, led by Officer-In-Charge Dr. Meydallyn Paman, emphasized that this development is a result of strong surveillance systems and collaboration among stakeholders. Poultry raisers are expected to benefit from:
A. Reduced transport-related testing requirements
B. Lower transaction costs and faster processing of shipments
C. Improved market access and smoother movement of poultry products
Strict Biosecurity Still Required
Despite the temporary relief, the OPV clarified that the waiver applies only to Avian Influenza testing per shipment. It does not exempt shippers, traders, and transporters from complying with other veterinary quarantine, inspection, shipping, documentary, and regulatory requirements.
Likewise, existing provincial entry protocols and biosecurity measures in Bohol remain strictly enforced unless amended through official issuances.
Sustaining a Disease-free Status
Authorities stressed that continuous compliance with biosecurity measures, disease reporting, and surveillance activities remains crucial to maintaining the region’s AI-free status.
The PGBh, under the leadership of Gov. Aris Aumentado, also expressed its gratitude to DA-RFO VII, LGUs, city and municipal veterinary and agriculture offices, poultry raisers, and all partners for their sustained cooperation in protecting poultry health, farmer livelihoods, and food security in Central Visayas, especially in Bohol, a UNESCO Global Geopark.
The issuance is anchored on DA Memorandum Circular No. 25, Series of 2026, aligned with national guidelines on animal movement and disease control, reinforcing the importance of sustained surveillance and coordinated response systems in safeguarding the poultry industry, a priority aligning PGBh’s Strategic Change Agenda. (PIMO/JFP)
PHOTO | OPV – FB Page
