October 6, 2006

Philippines warns bird smuggling could spread bird flu virus

The Philippine Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) warned that the rampant smuggling of poultry products from Indonesia could trigger the spread of the deadly avian flu virus.

BAI director Davinio Catbagan issued the warning after reports stating that the smuggling of exotic birds and poultry products from North Sulawesi and Kalimantan to the southern Philippines was becoming rampant.

Catbagan said the Indonesian government is still trying to fight the deadly H5N1 virus, adding that illegal trade and not the migratory birds might start the spread of the avian flu.  

Agriculture officials have sought help from the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Ports Authority to keep a tight watch against poultry product smuggling in any open ports.

Since it struck Asia three years ago, the Philippines is one of the few countries that has remained bird-flu free.