Avian Influenza
(AI) is emerging as a potential crisis, with recent reports confirming three
active H5N1 cases affecting nine farmers in Tarlac, Pampanga, and Nueva Ecija.[1]
This year, a total
of 99 municipalities have reported bird flu cases, leading to outbreaks among
various poultry species in Pampanga, Kalinga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, and Leyte
Province.[2] The
emergence of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza threatens human and animal
health, as well as the country’s poultry production and livelihood.[3]
Recognizing the
urgency of this issue, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(GPCCI) and Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. organized a roundtable
discussion on “The Urgency of Vaccines in Preventing Avian Influenza in the
Philippines.” The event brought together experts from the Bureau of Animal
Industry (BAI), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Department of
Agriculture (DA) to discuss the vital role of vaccination, the current state of
AI prevention efforts, and the challenges of implementing sustainable disease
control strategies.
“With the
increasing threat of avian influenza, Boehringer Ingelheim underscores the
urgent need for robust biosecurity measures. We must take immediate action to
effectively control the spread of the disease and safeguard both the
agricultural sector and public health,” said Raul Senedrin, Head of Business
Segment – Poultry at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc.
Protecting Livelihoods: The Threat of Bird Flu in the Poultry Sector
The poultry sector
is a vital component of the Philippine economy, valued at Php 68.76 billion
value, providing livelihoods and contributing to the country’s agricultural
production.[4]
As poultry demand
rises, the sector confronts significant challenges due to the increasing risk
of bird flu.[5] A
broiler breeder chicken farm in Leyte Province experienced an outbreak,
resulting in 4,475 casualties from a flock of 60,259 birds.[6]
In support of the
industry, Boehringer Ingelheim donated Avian Influenza test kits in 2023 to
trade and partner stakeholders in Luzon and Mindanao as part of the
surveillance efforts to track the presence of the disease.
On 12 August 2024, the Food and
Agriculture Organization issued a regional alert highlighting the persistent
threat of bird flu to the poultry industry, warning that the ongoing outbreaks
could drive up production costs, increase consumer prices, and cause potential
supply shortages.[7]
“The poultry
industry plays a vital role in ensuring stable food supply and supporting the
economic sustainability of rural communities in the Philippines. Through this
roundtable, GPCCI helped identify forward-looking solutions, and we remain
committed to fostering continued collaboration to strengthen the sector’s
resilience against Avian Influenza,” said GPCCI President Marie Antoinette
Mariano.
Safeguarding Farmers from Rising Public Health Risks
Avian Influenza,
also known as bird flu, primarily spreads among poultry, waterfowls such as
ducks and geese, and livestock, increasing the risk of exposure for poultry
workers and farmers.[8]
This viral
exposure has led to 887 H5N1 infections and 462 fatalities in humans from 2003
to April 14, 2024, with the majority occurring in Asia and Africa.[9]
Previous infections have led to complications such as conjunctivitis,
gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalitis (brain inflammation) and
encephalopathy.[10]
The World Health
Organization warns that the virus may mutate to become more contagious among
humans, heightening public health concerns.[11] These
warning signs indicate that avian influenza could escalate into an emergency,
potentially causing severe economic losses, undermining food security, and
posing significant public health risks nationwide.[12] [13]
The escalating threat
of Avian Influenza calls for an urgent, coordinated response among
stakeholders, including government agencies, health organizations, and the
agricultural sector, to safeguard communities and mitigate the impact of Avian
Influenza. Prioritizing vaccination and health monitoring mitigates risks,
sustains livelihoods, and prevents potential pandemics.
“Germany is
continuing to support the Philippines’ effort to fight Avian Influenza. Germany
and the Philippines share a long history of exchange in the fields of public
health, food security, international trade as well as the support of
livelihoods in the Philippines, says Dr. David Klebs, Economic Counsellor of
the Germany Embassy Manila. “German businesses like Boehringer may provide a
suitable solution to Avian Influenza making available scientific-based
solutions to the Philippines.”
Safeguard health,
livelihoods, and poultry production. Learn more about AI vaccination and
disease prevention in the GPCCI white paper: https://philippinen.ahk.de/en/info-hub/news/2025/white-paper-the-state-of-the-avian-influenza-vaccine-in-the-philippines.
Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer
Ingelheim is working on breakthrough therapies that transform lives, today and
for generations to come. As a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical
company, the company creates value through innovation in areas of high unmet
medical need. Founded in 1885 and family-owned ever since, Boehringer Ingelheim
takes a long-term, sustainable perspective. More than 53,000 employees serve
over 130 markets in the two business units Human Pharma and Animal Health.
Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com
Boehringer Ingelheim - Animal
Health business
Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing
and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines,
parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to
veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal
health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is
deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and
society.
Learn
more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com
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[1] Bureau of Animal Industry. Avian Influenza Status Update as of 20
September 2024. https://www.bai.gov.ph/stakeholders?Rep=Avian%20Influenza.
[2] East Asian - Australasian Flyway. Updates of Avian Influenza situation
by FAO/EMPRES-AH (Mar 2024–Jun 2024). https://eaaflyway.net/avianinfluenza_2024mar-jun/. Accessed September 24, 2024.
[3] World Organisation for Animal Health. Avian Influenza. https://www.woah.org/en/disease/avian-influenza/. Accessed September 25, 2024.
[4] World Organisation for Animal Health. Avian Influenza Protection
Program Philippines. https://rr-asia.woah.org/app/uploads/2024/08/S1.M04_Philippines.pdf. Accessed September 24, 2024.
[5] PCAARRD. 2024 Chicken Supply and Price Trends, Impact of ASF on Chicken
Prices, Challenges from High Humidity, and Initiatives against Bird Flu.https://ispweb.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/2024-chicken-supply-and-price-trends-impact-of-asf-on-chicken-prices-challenges-from-high-humidity-and-initiatives-against-bird-flu/. Accessed September 26, 2024.
[6] Global Center for Health Security. Philippines reports H5N1 bird flu
outbreak on poultry farm. https://www.unmc.edu/healthsecurity/transmission/2024/04/05/philippines-reports-h5n1-bird-flu-outbreak-on-poultry-farm/. Accessed September 24, 2024.
[7] PCAARRD. 2024 Chicken Supply and Price Trends,
Impact of ASF on Chicken Prices, Challenges from High Humidity, and Initiatives
against Bird Flu.https://ispweb.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/2024-chicken-supply-and-price-trends-impact-of-asf-on-chicken-prices-challenges-from-high-humidity-and-initiatives-against-bird-flu/. Accessed September 26, 2024.
[8] Cleveland Clinic. Bird Flu (Avian Influenza). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22401-bird-flu. Accessed September 24, 2024.
[9] MSD Veterinary Manual. Avian Influenza in Poultry and Wild Birds. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/poultry/avian-influenza-in-poultry-and-wild-birds/avian-influenza-in-poultry-and-wild-birds. Accessed September 24, 2024.
[10] BusinessWorld. The threat of an H5N1 avian flu pandemic. https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2024/08/19/614651/the-threat-of-an-h5n1-avian-flu-pandemic/. Accessed September 24, 2024.
[11] World Health Organization. Avian Influenza Surveillance. https://www.who.int/westernpacific/wpro-emergencies/surveillance/avian-influenza. Accessed September 24, 2024.
[12] National Library of Medicine. The Bird Flu: A New Emerging Pandemic
Threat And Its Pharmacological Intervention. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3068632/. Accessed October 3, 2024.
[13] World Organisation for Animal
Health. Avian Influenza. https://www.woah.org/en/disease/avian-influenza/. Accessed September 25, 2024.
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