By Brian Jules Campued
An import ban on poultry products as well as both domesticated and wild birds from California and Ohio in the United States was imposed by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
This was after the US Veterinary Services reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) several outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) among domestic birds in the two states.
California and Ohio logged their first outbreaks of the H5N1 strain last November 20 and 21 of last year, respectively.
Due to this, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel issued Memorandum Order No. 03 Series of 2024 on Monday immediately stopping purchase of poultry products such as meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen.
“The rapid spread of H5N1 HPAI in the United States in a short period of time since its first laboratory detection necessitates a wider coverage of the trade restriction to prevent the entry of HPAI virus and protect the health of the local poultry population,” Laurel said.
The DA chief also ordered the suspension of the processing, evaluation of the application, and issuance of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) import clearance of the said commodities.
All shipments coming from California and Ohio that are already in transit, loaded, or accepted at Philippine ports before the official communication of the ban on Jan. 15, shall be allowed, according to the memorandum.
However, it must be assured that these products were slaughtered or produced 14 days before the first outbreak. – avds
