April 16, 2024
Philippines lifts ban on poultry imports from Belgium and France
Philippines' Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr has announced the lifting of the ban on poultry product imports from Belgium and France, citing successful containment of avian influenza outbreaks in both countries, The Philippine Star reported.
Memorandum Order No 15, issued by Laurel, facilitates the resumption of importation for domestic and wild birds along with their products from Belgium. The decision comes after Belgium's official self-declaration report to the World Organisation for Animal Health revealed no further outbreaks following initial cases reported in February.
Previously, Memorandum Order No 2 had imposed restrictions on importing live poultry, poultry products, and by-products from Belgium in response to the bird flu outbreak. The recent lifting of the prohibition extends to various poultry items, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen.
According to Laurel, the Philippines' Department of Agriculture's assessment indicates a minimal risk of contamination from imported poultry products, thus justifying the decision. Importation of poultry products from Belgium must adhere to the established rules and regulations of the DA.
In a parallel move, Secretary Laurel also rescinded the ban on poultry imports from France, following the issuance of Memorandum Order No 1, which initially prohibited products and by-products from the country.
- The Philippine Star