May 1, 2012

The temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds and their products including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen originating from Austria has been lifted by Philippine Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala.

Alcala said this was in compliance with the Office Internationale des Epizooties (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code's provision that Austria is now free of H5N1 LPAI (avian influenza virus).

The lifting of the ban was also based on the evaluation of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) that the risk of contamination from importing poultry and poultry products from Austria is negligible.

In his memorandum, Alcala said the first occurrence of the dreaded avian influenza virus in wildlife was recorded February 14, 2006 and the last positive finding was on April 16, 2006. There has been no infection of poultry or other captive birds were observed since then.

Based on the official avian influenza status report submitted to the OIE, the avian influenza in Austria was resolved on April 26, 2006.