DA bans poultry products from Austria, Japan due to bird flu

Agriculture Ministry issues order to prevent entry of avian influenza

Poultry and poultry products from Austria and Japan are now banned from entering the Philippines due to the outbreak of bird flu in these countries.

The ban was ordered by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through an administrative circular signed by Agriculture Secretary William Dar on January 20, 2023.

The ban covers all poultry and poultry products, including meat, eggs, and feathers. It also includes poultry manure and other poultry-related materials.

The DA said the ban was imposed to prevent the entry of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus into the country.

HPAI is a contagious viral disease that can cause severe illness and death in poultry. It can also be transmitted to humans, although this is rare.

The DA said the ban will remain in effect until the outbreak of bird flu in Austria and Japan has been contained.

The Philippines has been free from bird flu since 2017. The DA said it is taking all necessary measures to prevent the entry of the virus into the country.

In addition to the ban on poultry products, the DA has also ordered the following measures to prevent the entry of bird flu into the Philippines:

• 加强对所有进入该国的禽类的监测
• Quarantine of all poultry and poultry products imported into the Philippines
• Disinfection of all vehicles and equipment used to transport poultry and poultry products
• Education of poultry farmers and the general public about bird flu and its prevention

The DA said it is also working closely with the Department of Health (DOH) to monitor the situation and to ensure that the public is protected from bird flu.