December 13, 2024

Philippines temporarily bans poultry imports from the Netherlands amid bird flu outbreak

The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued a temporary ban on the importation of poultry products from the Netherlands following reported cases of bird flu in the European country.

The ban, implemented through Memorandum Order No 56 dated December 9, is aimed at protecting the health of the local poultry population.

The order prohibits the importation of domestic and wild birds and their products, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen. In conjunction with the ban, the DA has also suspended the processing and evaluation of applications and the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances.

Shipments originating from The Netherlands that were in transit, loaded, or accepted at port before Dutch authorities were informed of the ban are exempt, provided the products were slaughtered or produced on or before December 3. However, all veterinary quarantine officers and inspectors have been directed to confiscate poultry commodities arriving in the Philippines at major ports of entry.

The decision follows reports from Dutch authorities of a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in Putten, Gelderland, which affected domestic birds on November 17, 2024. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has described avian influenza as a highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild birds. The disease is caused by viruses that are divided into subtypes, with genetic characteristics that evolve rapidly.

According to the WOAH, the disease occurs worldwide, with specific subtypes being more prevalent in certain regions. The DA has been empowered by existing laws and policies to implement bans or related measures to prevent the entry of animals and animal products from countries experiencing outbreaks of dangerous communicable diseases.

This precautionary measure is part of the Philippines' ongoing efforts to safeguard its poultry industry and protect public health from the risks posed by avian influenza.

-      Philippine Daily Inquirer