February 3, 2004

Philippines Bans Poultry Imports From Cambodia, Laos, Pakistan

The Philippine Department of Agriculture has issued an import ban on all poultry products coming from Cambodia, Laos and Pakistan as the three countries have confirmed an outbreak of the bird flu virus, which is now sweeping across Asia.

The import restriction was provided for by a memorandum order, signed by Agriculture Secretary Luis Lorenzo, which was released Tuesday.

Lorenzo said the import ban was issued even though the country doesn't import any poultry products from these countries to prevent the entry of the avian flu virus.

"There is a possibility that some travelers may bring in pet birds from Cambodia, Laos and Pakistan," Lorenzo said.

The Philippines has already issued import bans on poultry products coming from China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand and Indonesia.