DA bans importation of wild birds from Russia

The Department of Agriculture has ordered the temporary banning on the importation of domestic and wild birds including related products from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia.

At the same time, the DA also banned the importation of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)- susceptible animals and related products originating from Mongolia.

DA Secretary Domingo F. Panganiban has issued an order as emergency precautionary measures to prevent the entry of HPAI virus in the case of birds and FMD virus type A on hogs and frozen products in the country. According to Panganiban, based on the reports submitted to the Office International des Epizooties last July 24, August 2, and August 8, respectively, this year, outbreaks of avian influenza type A subtype H5 has been detected in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia.

The bird flu outbreaks were reported in private farms in nine villages in the districts of Kupino, Dovolnoye, and Christoozernoye, Novosibirsh region in Russia, geese farm in the village of Golubovka, Irtysh district, Pavlodar region in Kazakhstan and Erthel lake, Alag-Ederne country, Huvsgel province in Mongolia. While an outbreak of FMD virus has been detected in Dornod province in the eastern part of Mongolia. Banning domestic and wild birds includes day-old chicks, eggs, and semen from these countries. While on FMD-susceptible animals includes their products and by-products and fresh frozen products from Mongolia, Panganiban said.

Secretary Panganiban also ordered the immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation and issuance of Veterinary Quarantine Clearance/International Veterinary Certificate/import permit for applications relevant to the importation of such commodities from these countries. All shipments of these products into the country were ordered stopped originating from these countries and would be confiscated by Quarantine officers at all major sea and air ports all over the country, Panganiban said. - Jasmin R. Uy