AVIAN INFLUENZA PREVENTION AND CONTINGENCY PLAN

ALERT LEVEL: HEIGHTENED BIOSECURITY ALERT

As recently reported, over 1,000 ducks were depopulated in New Antique, North Cotabato, following a confirmed case of Avian influenza by BAI. The affected site is located approximately 154 kilometers from the Philippine Eagle Foundation by land and about 55 kilometers by aerial distance.

In light of this development, the Foundation is implementing heightened preventive and biosecurity measures to safeguard all birds within the facility, especially the critically endangered Philippine Eagle. These measures aim to minimize the risk of virus entry and spread, ensure the health and welfare of the animals, and protect the overall integrity of the conservation program.

This Avian Influenza Prevention and Contingency Plan outline the protocols, movement control, and emergency response procedures to be observed by all staff, visitors, and partners.

Map showing the distance from New Antique to the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

Objective:

To prevent the introduction and spread of Avian influenza (AI) in the conservation facility, strict biosecurity protocols must be implemented, the movement of people and animals controlled, and early detection and rapid response ensured.

1. Visitor and Guest Management

• Footbath and Disinfection:

  • Install footbaths at all guest entrances and exits.

  • Maintenance personnel must check, refill, and replace disinfectant every 2–4 hours or as needed.

  • Clear and visible signage must remind guests to step on footbaths before entry.

  • Cleaning-before-disinfection (CbD) must be followed at all footbath and pathway disinfection points to remove organic matter before applying disinfectants.

• Access Control:

  • Limit guest access to non-contact viewing areas only.

  • Designate clear pathways and one-way traffic to minimize contamination risk.

  • Feeding or touching of birds and other wildlife by visitors is strictly prohibited.

  • Install gates and railings around cages to create a buffer zone between visitors and animals, with proper signage indicating “Authorized Personnel Only.”

• Information and Screening:

  • Display posters and infographics on AI prevention measures.

Additional Measures:

• Birds at Plaza One will be placed in their respective cages to provide a safer environment and increase distance between animals and guests.

• No keepers are allowed to talk or handle animals during Open Classroom Program (OCP) activities to minimize exposure risks.

• A wheel bath will be installed at the main gate to disinfect all vehicle tires entering the facility.

• Spraying of pathways using approved disinfectants will be done two to three times daily.

• All wheel baths must have a minimum 5–7 cm disinfectant depth, high-density foam or scrub mats, ramps, and proper drainage. Disinfectant must be changed every 2–4 hours or when visibly dirty.

  
  

2. Staff and Keeper Protocols

• Work Zone Assignment:

  • Each Animal Keeper must be assigned to a specific area to feed and care for birds.

  • No crowding of keepers in one location.

• Food Delivery Control:

  • Food stock operators are not allowed to enter animal display or holding areas.

• PPE and Hygiene:

  • All staff handling animals must wear face masks, gloves, and clean boots at all times.

  • PPE must be changed or disinfected between zones.

  • For quarantine, necropsy, or high-risk areas, N95 masks or equivalent respirators and eye protection are required

• Shower and Changing Facilities:

  • Work uniforms and boots must stay within the facility and not be brought home.

  • It is mandatory for all staff to take a shower and wear clean clothes before entering the Philippine Eagle Center.

  • For animal keepers and everyone working within isolation areas, a shower-in/shower-out protocol must be followed, including changing into facility-dedicated, freshly laundered clothing and shoes/boots.

• Staff Restrictions:

  • All staff caring for animals must not keep backyard chickens or any domestic or pet birds at home.

  • Regular staff declaration and inspection may be conducted to ensure compliance.

  • Staff found violating this policy may be temporarily reassigned or restricted from animal contact.

• Access Limitation:

  • RRG staff and non-essential personnel have limited access near enclosures.

  • All movements in and out of animal zones must be logged.

Additional Measures:

• Pocket hand sanitizers or disinfectant sprays will be provided to all keepers for use before and after handling equipment or entering zones.

• A staff movement memorandum will be issued prohibiting those working near cages from leaving the facility during lunch breaks; bringing a packed lunch is mandatory.

3. Animal Management and Health Monitoring

• Daily Monitoring:

  • Conduct daily observation for respiratory signs, lethargy, or behavioral changes.

  • Immediate reporting to the veterinary team for any suspect cases.

• Quarantine and Isolation:

  • Newly rescued, transferred, or sick birds must undergo a minimum 14-day quarantine at the partner Vet.

  • Use separate equipment and personnel for quarantine areas.

  • Implement strict PPE protocols in these zones.

• Feed and Water Safety:

  • Secure feed in closed, rodent-proof containers.

  • Prohibit the sharing of feeding equipment between zones.

  • Clean and disinfect all feeding tools daily using proper CbD protocol.

• Prevent Wild Bird Entry:

  • Use netting, mesh, or barriers to reduce contact between captive and wild birds.

  • Remove or cover stagnant water sources to discourage wild bird gathering.

Additional Measures:

• Quarterly random testing of non-Philippine Eagle species will be conducted to help ensure zero AI cases in the facility.

• The surveillance plan will specify target species, sample types, sample size, frequency, accredited lab, turnaround time, and reporting protocol.

  
  

4. Facility Sanitation and Biosecurity

• Routine Cleaning:

  • Implement daily and weekly disinfection schedules for enclosures, pathways, and visitor areas.

  • Use AI-effective disinfectants (e.g., Microban, F10).

  • Always clean before disinfecting for maximum effectiveness.

• Boot Dips:

  • Install boot dips at all keeper access points and check disinfectant strength daily.

  • Replace disinfectant every 2–4 hours or when soiled.

• Waste Disposal:

  • Collect waste in sealed bins and dispose of it away from enclosures.

  • Use incineration or secure disposal sites for contaminated material.

• Vehicle Restriction:

  • All non-PEF vehicles are restricted from entering the facility, except for emergencies (e.g., veterinary response, rescue operations, delivery of critical supplies).

  • Vehicle disinfection at the entry point is mandatory before access.

  • Visitor and supplier vehicles must park at the designated external parking area.

Additional Measures:

• Wheel baths at the main gate will be part of the daily disinfection protocol.

• Pathways will be sprayed 2–3 times a day using approved disinfectants.

5. Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Rapid Reporting:

  • Any suspected AI case must be reported immediately to the veterinary team and the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Animal Industry.

• Movement Restriction:

  • Lock down affected areas and suspend public access when needed.

  • Implement zone-specific response measures.

• Government Coordination:

  • Maintain a rapid contact list of DA, LGU, BAI, and wildlife authorities.

  • Coordinate with DA-BAI for confirmatory testing, depopulation protocols, and area surveillance if needed.

• Simulation and Training:

  • Conduct AI response drills for all staff to ensure familiarity with emergency protocols.

  • Define trigger points and response levels (e.g., confirmed case in province vs. confirmed case inside facility).

    
    

6. Record Keeping and Monitoring

• Maintain daily biosecurity and operational logs, including:

  • Footbath and disinfectant monitoring

  • Staff zone assignment and access control

  • Animal health reports and quarantine logs

  • Store all records in both physical and digital formats for easy reporting and traceability.

Recommendations:

Wheel Bath

A wheel bath is more effective than spraying because it ensures that the disinfectant comes in full contact with all tire surfaces. It removes dirt and mud before disinfection, allowing the disinfectant to work more effectively and thoroughly. The strength and contact time of the disinfectant are also controlled and consistent, ensuring reliable results. Unlike manual spraying, a wheel bath operates without extra labor and minimizes human error. For these reasons, wheel baths are considered a standard requirement in Avian influenza biosecurity protocols.

Alcohol stands by in the Entrance

Placing alcohol at the entrance is an important preventive measure against Avian influenza. It helps eliminate viruses and bacteria from the hands of anyone entering the facility, thereby reducing the chance of spreading pathogens through commonly touched surfaces, such as gates, doors, and railings. This measure provides quick and effective disinfection, especially when soap and water are not immediately available. It also complements other biosecurity controls such as footbaths and wheel baths, creating multiple barriers against virus entry. Overall, having alcohol stations at entry points reinforces proper hygiene practices and lowers the risk of introducing the virus into the facility.

Additional Rallings and gates

Adding gates near animal cages and restricted areas is an important measure to help control and limit human access to sensitive zones. By preventing close contact between people and animals, the risk of spreading Avian influenza is significantly reduced. Gates serve as clear physical barriers that define boundaries and no-entry zones for visitors and non-essential personnel, reinforcing compliance with established biosecurity protocols. They also help regulate traffic flow inside the facility, ensuring that movement is organized and controlled. This gate will be strategically located near the Philippine long-tailed macaque area, leading to the kitchen and food storage section, to further strengthen movement control and reduce potential contamination risks. Overall, this simple but effective measure enhances both disease prevention and animal safety.

Display birds in Plaza One will be moved to their respective cages.

All display birds will be placed in cages to limit their direct contact with visitors and other animals. This measure is crucial in controlling movement and reducing the risk of Avian influenza exposure within the facility. By keeping the birds in cages, cleaning and disinfection can be carried out more easily and consistently, ensuring that the environment remains sanitary and controlled. The cages also serve as a physical barrier against wild birds and other outside contaminants that could potentially carry the virus. Overall, this strategy strengthens the facility’s biosecurity measures and provides an added layer of protection for the birds during an AI threat.

Signages to be installed

Putting signage at footbath areas is important for reminding and guiding people to disinfect properly before entering the facility. It ensures that visitors and staff do not accidentally skip this critical biosecurity step. Clear signs help maintain consistent compliance even without direct supervision. They support traffic control, making the footbath area visible and easy to follow. This simple measure strengthens the overall prevention of Avian influenza at the entrance.

Memorandum

Issuing a formal memorandum prohibiting staff from engaging in cockfighting activities or visiting areas with confirmed Avian influenza cases is an essential part of strengthening the facility’s biosecurity measures. Cockfighting arenas and infected farms are considered high-risk zones where the virus can easily spread through direct or indirect contact. By strictly preventing staff exposure to these places, the organization minimizes the risk of accidentally bringing the virus into the facility through contaminated clothing, footwear, or personal belongings. A written memorandum also establishes clear accountability and enforces consistent compliance among all personnel. Ultimately, this policy helps protect the health of the birds, ensures operational safety, and upholds the integrity of the organization’s disease prevention efforts.

*** Advisory No. 01-2025 version 003 ***