July 12, 2005

Malaysian state bans Philippine poultry imports
 

Malaysia's Sabah state has banned the import of Philippines poultry after the latter was hit by its first case of bird flu last week.

Sabah's State Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail said import licences for Philippines poultry imports have been terminated with immediate effect.

The state will also not allow the transit of any poultry from the Philippines, and advise travellers from the Philippines not to transport any poultry or poultry-based products, Rahim said Jun 11, after reports broke that bird flu has entered the Philippines' Bulacan province.

The Philippines government is currently determining if the bird flu virus in the country is pathogenic.