June 15, 2010

 

Philippines lifts ban on Turkish poultry imports

Philippines has lifted the import ban on poultry from Turkey after confirming reports that Turkey is free from the dreaded avian influenza (AI) virus.

 

"A report submitted to the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) confirmed that Turkey (declared) itself free from the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)," said Department of Agriculture Secretary Bernie Fondevilla in a memorandum order.

 

Based on the OIE report, the disinfection of all affected establishments were completed two years ago.

 

The Bureau of Animal industry said that there is no risk of contamination from importing poultry and poultry products from Turkey after it has regained its avian influenza-free status.

 

With the ban already lifted, importers can start applying for permits for the importation of wild birds and poultry products from Turkey.

 

Turkey though, is not a traditional source of poultry products for the Philippines. The major source of chicken imports such as chicken leg quarters, are North American countries including the US and Canada.

 

Data from the World Health Organization showed that Turkey reported its first outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in poultry in mid-October of 2006. The outbreak occurred in northwestern Turkey, and was attributed to contact between domestic poultry and migratory waterfowl.

 

The Philippines is one of few countries in the world that remains free from the AI virus which has already infected humans and caused the poultry industry of neighbouring Southeast Asian countries to incur huge losses.