THE Department Agriculture (DA) on November 12 imposed a temporary ban on the importation of poultry products from Japan and Austria, following outbreaks of avian influenza or bird flu in both countries.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the ban was necessary to prevent the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), particularly the H5N1 subtype, and protect the local poultry population.
In its memorandum order, the DA said an outbreak of the bird disease in Atsuma, Hokkaido, Japan was reported on Oct. 16, and confirmed by the Livestock Hygiene Service Center.
The ban covers domestic and wild birds and their products from Japan, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen. The order also called for the immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of the application, and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) import clearances to the aforementioned commodities.
Poultry shipments from Japan already in transit before Oct. 2 were allowed to enter the Philippines.
A separate order issued on Nov. 12 likewise ordered a temporary ban on poultry products originating from Austria.
According to the Vice President of the Regional Commission of Austria to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), a bird flu outbreak in October was reported in Mattighofen, Braunau am Inn, Oberösterreich, Austria and was confirmed by the Agency for Health and Food Safety.
Austria and Japan are both meat traders to the Philippines. However, data from DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry showed these countries have not shipped any poultry meat here since the year started.
Denmark import ban lifted
In another order, the DA lifted the import ban on domestic and wild birds, as well as their products, originating from Denmark.
Tiu Laurel revoked the ban through memorandum order 50, allowing the entry of domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen from Denmark to the Philippines.
The DA said Danish veterinary authorities reported to the WOAH that cases of HPAI in their country has been resolved, and no new cases have been reported after Sept. 12. The order, which takes effect immediately, emphasized all import transactions must adhere to DA rules and regulations pertaining to agricultural food imports.
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