January 14, 2008

Philippines bans poultry from Saudi Arabia and Poland on bird flu alerts

The Philippine Department of Agriculture imposed a temporary ban on all poultry coming from Saudi Arabia and Poland after bird flu has been confirmed in the areas.

Arthur Yap, agriculture secretary, said that the ban was necessary to protect the PHP60-billion (US$1.4 million) poultry industry in the country.

Quarantine officers and inspectors are stationed at all major airports and seaports ready to confiscate all shipments of live birds, poultry and poultry products into the country originating from Saudi Arabia, Benin and Poland.

In his directive, Yap also ordered the immediate suspension of the issuance of Veterinary Quarantine Clearances (VQCs) to all imports covering these products from these states.

Previously, the Philippines banned poultry from Korea, UK and Japan also due to bird flu cases.

The ban on Japan imports was lifted last May following an evaluation by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) stating that bird flu virus has been controlled in the country.

The Philippines is one of three countries in Southeast Asia free of bird flu, the other two being Brunei and Singapore.