PHL bans poultry products from Italy, the Netherlands

The Philippine government has temporarily banned the entry of poultry and poultry products from provinces of the Netherlands and Italy after a confirmed outbreak of low-pathogethic avian influenza in these countries.

Secretary Proceso Alcala of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has suspended the imporation of domestic and wild birds—including poultry meat, day old chicks, eggs and semen— originating from Romagna, Italy and Gelderland, the Netherlands, to shield the Philippine poultry industry from complications and protect the health of the population.

The Office International des Epizooties (OIE) said low pathogenic avian influenza serotype H5  was discovered in a small rural poultry farm in Medena, Region of Romagna.

On the other hand, an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza H7N7 was discovered in a laying hen holding yard in Lochem, Gerderland province.

Alcala ordered the immediate suspension of the processing and evaluation of the application and issuance of veterinary quarantine clearance on  poultry imports from the regions.

Veterinary quarantine officers in all major ports were also ordered to stop and confiscate all shipments of poultry and poultry products — with the exception of heat treated products — from the regions.

Avian influenza (AI) is a viral disease affecting several species of birds such as chicken, turkey, quail, guinea fowl,  as well as pet birds and wild birds.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus spreads rapidly and may cause serious disease and result in high mortality rates, or up to 100 percent within 48 hours.

Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) causes mild disease that may be undetected or no symptoms at all in some species of birds. — KBK, GMA News