Olango Island Cleared of Bird Flu Threat Following Comprehensive Testing
Olango Island has been officially declared safe from bird flu after extensive testing revealed no signs of avian influenza infection in local poultry populations. The Lapu-Lapu City Veterinary Office (CVO) conducted surveillance on March 26, 2026, in collaboration with the Regulatory Division of the Department of Agriculture, as part of their annual monitoring program.
Negative Results Confirm Safety
In a phone interview on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, City Veterinarian Janice Togonon announced that all 90 sampled birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, tested negative for avian influenza antibodies. The laboratory results, released by the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory on April 8, showed no evidence of past or current infection, providing a clean bill of health for the island's poultry.
Togonon emphasized the critical importance of maintaining this bird flu-free status, noting that any outbreak could severely impact the local chicken industry. "It's very important that we check... We must have preparations in place, which is why it's crucial to know so we can protect our poultry industry not only in Lapu-Lapu City but across the Province of Cebu," she explained.
Surveillance Details and Health Risks
The CVO staff collected blood samples and cloacal swabs from the 90 birds on Olango Island. Blood samples were used to detect antibodies indicating past exposure, while cloacal swabs helped identify any active virus shedding. This standard surveillance method is designed to monitor for potential virus introduction into poultry flocks.
Togonon highlighted that the avian influenza virus can be rapidly fatal to birds and poses a significant risk to human health if transmitted. Olango Island was selected for monitoring due to its proximity to the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, a key stopover for migratory birds along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. Thousands of migratory birds from Siberia, China, Japan, and Korea pass through the area annually, using its wetlands as resting and feeding grounds.
Call for Vigilance and Future Monitoring
Togonon urged poultry owners to remain vigilant and immediately report any unusual symptoms or sudden deaths in their birds to the CVO for prompt investigation. The CVO conducts surveillance monitoring twice a year, with the next phase scheduled between September and November 2026, ensuring ongoing protection for the region's agricultural and environmental health.
