PH bans poultry from Netherlands, Italy

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has temporarily banned the entry of poultry and poultry products from Netherlands and Italy after a confirmed outbreak of avian influenza in these countries.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the temporary ban covers the imporation of domestic and wild birds—including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen—originating from Romagna in Italy and Gelderland in Netherlands to shield the Philippine poultry industry from complications and protect the health of the population.

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

Authorities recorded an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza H7N7 in a laying hen holding yard in Lochem, Gerderland.

Alcala ordered the immediate suspension of the processing and evaluation of applications and issuance of veterinary quarantine clearance for poultry imports from the countries.

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 two countries.

Avian influenza 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, may cause serious disease and result in high mortality rates of up to 100% within 48 hours.

Low pathogenic avian influenza causes mild disease that may be undetected or may show no symptoms at all in some species of birds. – Rappler.com