Manila, Sept. 19 -- Bataan province is now free from the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Friday.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Order No. 31, lifting the bird flu status following surveillance and monitoring that confirmed the absence of new infections.

"This declaration restores confidence in Bataan's poultry sector and supports our long-term goal of securing food supply through science-based animal health policies," he said in a statement.

The key poultry-producing province in Central Luzon was previously placed under strict disease control protocols, including stamping out, quarantine and disinfection of infected areas.

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