March 19, 2024

Philippines temporarily stops poultry imports from Sweden, Czech Republic due to bird flu

The Philippines has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of poultry and poultry products from Sweden and the Czech Republic due to an outbreak of bird flu in those countries, the Philippine Department of Agriculture said on March 15.

Domestic and wild birds and their products, including poultry meat, day-old chicks and eggs from both countries, are prohibited from entering into the Philippines, according to two recent memorandum orders issued by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel.

Sweden and the Czech Republic reported a highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 outbreak on January 5 and January 30, respectively.

Laurel stressed the need to prevent the entry of the virus to protect the health of local poultry population.

"All shipments coming that are in transit before the official communication of this order shall be allowed provided that the products were slaughtered on or before December 22, 2023," Laurel said.

- Xinhua