Phl temporarily bans poultry imports from Spain

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued a temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds and its products from Spain following the outbreak of a virus in the area.

In memorandum order 12 issued by the Office of the Secretary, the DA has instituted the ban of importation of poultry meat, day old chicks, eggs, and semen from Girona, Spain.

Based on the report submitted to the World Organization for Animal Health, there was an outbreak of H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in Sant Gregori, Girona, Cataluna in Spain which affects ducks.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol issued an immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of the application and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary import clearance to the said commodities.

Pinol said there will be stoppage and confiscation of all shipments of the commodities (with the exception of heat treated products) into the Philippines by all DA veterinary quarantine officers at all major ports.

Meanwhile, frozen poultry meat with slaughter and process date of 21 days prior to the HPAI outbreaks are allowed to enter the country but is subject to quarantine rules and regulations.

The memorandum order was issued to prevent the entry of HPAI virus to protect the health of the public and the local poultry population.