ZAMBOANGA CITY — In a proactive move to safeguard public health and protect wildlife, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IX has conducted a wildlife disease surveillance activity in Zamboanga City aimed at detecting the possible presence of Avian Influenza among urban bird populations.
The activity was spearheaded by DENR Region IX through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Zamboanga City, in close coordination with the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVet) and the Department of Agriculture–Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (DA-RADDL). The initiative forms part of the government’s intensified efforts to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases—illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
The surveillance was carried out in accordance with Joint Department of Health–Department of Agriculture–DENR Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2020, which operationalizes the Philippine Inter-Agency Committee on Zoonoses (PhilCZ). The policy framework strengthens inter-agency coordination in monitoring, preventing, and responding to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
Sampling in Key Urban Areas
As part of the activity, field teams collected a total of 30 fecal samples from a mixed population of Pacific Swallows (Hirundo javanica) and Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) commonly found in the city’s central districts. These migratory and resident bird species are known to congregate in urban environments, making them important indicators for disease surveillance.
Sample collection was conducted in several strategic locations within the city center, including Calle Guardia Nacional, P. Brillantes Street, Tomas Claudio Street, La Purisima Street, V.M. Orendain Sr. Street, Barcelona Street, and P. Reyes Street. These areas were selected due to the high concentration of bird roosting sites and frequent human activity.
Laboratory Testing in Zamboanga Sibugay
The collected specimens were properly secured and transported for laboratory examination and will be analyzed for Avian Influenza at the DA-RADDL facility in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Experts will conduct diagnostic tests to determine the presence of viral strains that could pose risks to poultry, wildlife, and human populations.
Results of the laboratory analysis are expected to guide government agencies in crafting appropriate response measures, should any indication of infection be detected.
Strengthening Public Health and Wildlife Protection
Officials emphasized that the surveillance activity is part of a broader strategy to strengthen early detection systems and prevent possible outbreaks before they escalate into public health emergencies.
By monitoring wildlife health, particularly in urban settings where human-animal interactions are frequent, authorities aim to minimize the risk of disease transmission and protect both biodiversity and community well-being.
“This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health,” DENR officials said.
Sustained Inter-Agency Collaboration
The activity also highlights the importance of sustained collaboration among national and local agencies in addressing emerging health threats. Through joint efforts involving the DENR, DA, DOH, and local government units, authorities seek to establish a responsive and science-based surveillance system.
DENR Region IX reaffirmed its commitment to continuing wildlife monitoring activities and strengthening partnerships to ensure that potential health risks are detected early and addressed promptly.
The surveillance in Zamboanga City marks another step toward building a resilient public health and environmental protection framework in Western Mindanao, amid growing concerns over zoonotic and infectious diseases.