THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Tuesday that it imposed a temporary ban on imports of poultry and its by products from the US state of Michigan.
In Memorandum Order No. 24, it said that an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or bird flu was detected in the state.
The US Veterinary Services notified the World Organisation for Animal Health on March 29 of the bird flu cases.
The DA added that imports from Michigan of domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen were suspended following the detection of HPAI in three or more counties in the state.
“The rapid spread of HPAI in the US in a short period of time since its first laboratory detection necessitates a wider coverage of trade restriction to prevent the entry of HPAI virus and protect the health of the local poultry population,” the DA said.
The Philippines and US veterinary authorities have agreed that a statewide ban can be imposed if three or more counties are affected by the virus.
The DA said it has suspended applications for and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary import clearances for Michigan poultry.
The DA added that such shipments from the state may still be accepted provided that the items were produced or slaughtered 14 days before the first outbreak.
“All shipments coming from the mentioned areas of the US that are in transit/loaded/accepted unto port before the official communication of this Order to the American authorities shall be allowed provided that the products were slaughtered/produced 14 days before the first outbreak in the particular county,” it said.
The DA had earlier lifted the ban on imports of poultry and by-products from Ohio following clearance issued by US authorities. — Adrian H. Halili
