April 30, 2008

Peking duck smuggling could bring bird flu into the Philippines

Rampant smuggling of Peking ducks and other exotic poultry meat could bring the dreaded bird flu into the Philippines, a government official warned Tuesday (April 29, 2008).

The announcement follows a raid by an anti-smuggling task force in a Manila warehouse last week which saw the seizure of thousands of smuggled frozen Peking duck,

"The seized Peking ducks were taken out of the customs bureau without one of its officials knowing," Antonio Villar, the task force chief, said told reporters.

Government inspectors are now checking for the ducks in Manila restaurants serving the meat, he said.

Michael Exequiel Guillermo, vice-president of the EJG Mighty Duck Farm, the country's sole authorized supplier of Peking ducks, said the seized poultry most probably had not been checked by authorities from their country of origin.

H5N1, the deadly strain of the bird flu virus has not been detected in the Philippines but authorities have been on the alert that the virus may be brought into the country by travelers, imports or migrating birds.