Manila, Sept. 11 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday declared Camarines Sur free from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu, following the successful implementation of containment and surveillance measures.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Circular No. 27 officially restoring the province's bird flu-free status, in line with World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines.

The move was made "in accordance with guidelines set by the World Organization for Animal Health, which allows an area to regain bird flu-free status 28 days after a successful stamping-out operation, followed by disinfection and the absence of new cases," Tiu Laurel said in a statement.

The DA regio...