MANILA, (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has enacted a temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds, as well as poultry products from France, following an outbreak of avian influenza reported in early August.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Order 40 on September 27, 2024, which prohibits shipments of live poultry, poultry products, and by-products, including day-old chicks and semen.
This decision comes after France reported an outbreak of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine, Bretagne, to the World Organisation for Animal Health on August 7. Laboratory tests confirmed the bird flu infection, prompting the DA’s swift action.
“We are imposing the ban as a preemptive measure to stop the entry of infected birds and their by-products into the country. This step will prevent the spread of the virus that could have a devastating impact on the local poultry industry,” Secretary Tiu Laurel stated.
In addition, the memorandum suspends the issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances by the Bureau of Animal Industry for shipments from France. Only birds slaughtered or products processed before July 25, 2024, will be allowed entry into the Philippines.
Veterinary quarantine offices have been directed to halt and confiscate any shipments of wild and domestic birds, eggs, semen, and poultry products, unless they are heat-treated.
The import ban will remain in effect until further notice from the DA. Between January and August 2024, the Philippines imported 150,752 kilograms of poultry products from France. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
