July 15, 2005

 

USDA: Avian influenza in the Philippines

 

 

On July 7, the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) announced the detection of a H5 avian influenza strain in a few ducks in a farm in Calumpit, Bulacan, north of Metro Manila. 

 

According to BAI, the"low-risk" flu strain was detected following routine tests done on blood samples collected by BAI from the Bulacan duck farm that was applying for certification to export 'balut' or exotic duck egg. 

 

BAI is currently awaiting confirmation from the OIE reference laboratory in Australia of the specific strain that has affected the ducks.

 

The BAI and the Department of Health (DOH) stated that they have undertaken various control measures, including the immediate culling of affected flocks, the ban of movement and sale of live poultry within a three-kilometer radius from the affected farm for one week, and sustained surveillance and testing of all poultry farms in nearby areas.

 

The most recent BAI updates indicate that none of the poultry within the three-kilometer quarantine area has tested positive for the same strain.

 

The BAI also stated that it has voluntarily stopped all exports of poultry and poultry products.

 

For the first six months of this year, the Philippines exported about 3,000 MT of poultry products, mainly value-added processed chicken products to Japan, which is the Philippines' largest market for poultry products. Year-to-date, Philippine poultry exports are already three times the volume exported in 2004.

 

However, the Japanese government recently suspended all imports of poultry and poultry products from the Philippines, following the BAI's announcement of a temporary halt in all Philippine poultry exports. Sabah, an eastern state of Malaysia, has likewise stopped all imports of Philippine live birds and poultry products.

 

The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry is currently ascertaining whether the Japanese government will continue to accept U.S. chicken products, which are processed and packed in the Philippines and then re-exported to Japan. 

 

For the full USDA report, click here.