January 13, 2004

Philippines To Ban Poultry From South Korea, Vietnam, Japan On Bird Flu Scare

The Philippines is set to impose a ban on domestic and wild birds, including poultry meat products, from South Korea, Vietnam and Japan following the reported outbreak of avian flu disease in these countries, a senior government official said Tuesday.

Bureau of Animal Industry director Jose Molina said he has already recommended Agriculture Secretary Luis Lorenzo issue a ban immediately to prevent the possible entry of the avian flu virus into the country.

While the Philippines doesn't import any poultry products from the three countries, an import ban is necessary to effectively deter the infection of local birds with the avian flu virus.

"Somebody coming from these countries might bring in a pet bird," Molina said.

The avian flu virus is known to also affect humans. In Hong Kong, around six people have died from the disease following an outbreak of the virus in 1997.