MANILA – In response to an avian influenza outbreak reported in New Zealand in November 2024, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds, as well as various poultry products from the country. This decision, outlined in the newly issued Memorandum Order 01, aims to protect the Philippines’ poultry industry from the high pathogenic avian influenza strain H7N6, which was detected in East Otago, Waitaki, and Canterbury regions of New Zealand. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the importance of this measure in preventing the spread of the disease to the local poultry population. The ban extends to eggs, day-old chicks, semen, and poultry meat, and also suspends the processing and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for these products. However, shipments that were already in transit, loaded, or at ports before the ban was announced may still be allowed entry, provided they were produced or slaughtered prior to November 9, 2024.
Philippines Halts Bird and Poultry Imports from New Zealand Due to Avian Flu
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