February 13, 2004

Philippines Step Up Anti-Chicken Smuggling Measures

The Philippines has set up checkpoints in the southwestern islands of Palawan to eliminate any possibility of smuggled poultry entering the country. 

There have been reports that chicken, eggs and other poultry products from Malaysia were being smuggled through the porous borders of Balabac Island on the southern tip of Palawan, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said.

BAI director Jose Molina said that while Malaysia is not among 10 Asian countries that have reported outbreaks of bird flu, the government is not taking any chances.

He directed Palawan's provincial veterinarian to "set up and have these checkpoints manned 24 hours to ensure that the Philippines is kept free from the fatal avial flu viral strain."

The virus has killed 19 people across Asia, and the United States has also confirmed outbreaks in poultry farms there. Molina said the virus is "zoonotic and could affect humans if not properly controlled."

A deadly bird flu virus has so far emerged in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and South Korea, while Taiwan and Pakistan have reported weaker strains.

The Philippine archipelago remains free of the virus, but President Gloria Arroyo has set up a crisis team to ensure that it would not spread here.