September 2, 2009
Philippines lifts ban on poultry imports from Germany, Japan
The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted the ban on all imports of domestic and wild birds along with poultry and its products from Germany and Japan, following reports that the 2 countries are free from bird flu.
DA secretary Arthur Yap issued the order after an evaluation done by the DA's Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), which showed that the risk of contamination from importing poultry and poultry products from Germany and Japan is already negligible.
Yap also cited the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) or World Animal Health Organization, which confirmed that Germany and Japan have regained their bird flu free status.
The OIE based its findings on separate reports submitted by Japan's Food Safety and Consumer Affairs and the Department of Health and Food Hygiene, Federal Ministry for Food, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection of Germany.
