TO protect the health of its local poultry population, the Philippines has implemented a temporary ban on imports of poultry meat and wild birds from France following an outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu).
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued a memorandum order on September 27 halting the importation of all domestic and wild birds, including their byproducts, due to the detection of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 subtype in France.
The ban covers poultry meat, eggs, day-old chicks, semen, and other byproducts. It stems from an official report by the Chief Veterinary Services of France to the World Organization for Animal Health on August 12, detailing an avian influenza outbreak in Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine, and Bretagne France, which began on August 7.
The HPAI virus can be transmitted to humans, raising concerns about public health. Secretary Laurel emphasized the importance of preventing the virus from entering the Philippines, stating, “There is a need to prevent the entry of HPAI virus to protect the health of the local poultry population.”
The Department of Agriculture (DA) will strictly enforce the ban, confiscating all shipments of poultry products except those that have been heat-treated. The processing, evaluation, and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary import Clearances for these agricultural products have also been suspended. Importers who fail to comply with the ban could face penalties.
The DA’s swift action demonstrates its commitment to protecting both animal and human health. The temporary ban will remain in effect until the threat of avian influenza in France subsides.
