Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 19) — The Department of Agriculture has imposed a temporary ban on importation of poultry and their products from Australia following a reported bird flu outbreak in the country.
In a memorandum order dated August 14 released Wednesday, the department said it is banning entry of domestic and wild birds and their products, including poultry meat, day old chicks, eggs and semen from Australia.
Based on its first report to the World Organization for Animal Health, the Australian government said an outbreak of the H7N7 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza started in Lethbridge, Victoria on July 24.
This mainly affected birds, of which more than 41,000 were killed and disposed. Its latest report noted that no new outbreaks were detected.
The last occurrence of the virus was in February 2014.
DA also ordered the immediate suspension of processing, evaluation, and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary permits for the said products. Only those with permits issued on or before August 6 will be allowed to enter, provided that the slaughter date of the frozen poultry meat is 21 days before the start of the outbreak.
All shipments will also undergo veterinary and quarantine safety protocols, DA said.
