November 29, 2012
THE PHILIPPINE government has banned poultry and
poultry products from Australia due to an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic
Avian Influenza (HPAI) in New South Wales.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala issued Memorandum Order
No. 33 dated Nov. 28 that bans the "importation of domestic and wild
birds and their products including poultry meat, day old chicks, eggs
and semen originating from New South Wales, Australia."
The order also covers the suspension of the processing and issuance of
the Veterinary Quarantine Clearance needed by importers of these
products.
Except for heat-treated products, imports of poultry and poultry
products from New South Wales will be confiscated by quarantine officers
and inspectors at all major ports.
An outbreak of HPAI of the serotype H7 was detected in free range laying hens in New South Wales, Australia last Nov. 9.
"There is a need to prevent the entry of HPAI virus to protect the
health of the local poultry population as well as human health," the
memorandum read.
Avian influenza or bird flu is a disease capable of causing extremely
high mortality in domestic or wild birds, which can be transferred to
humans, causing diseases or even death.
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