Due to Avian Influenza: Cebu restricts poultry entry

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has issued an executive order (EO) regulating the entry of poultry and live birds into Cebu province, as part of the Capitol’s measure against Avian Influenza (AI).

Cebu remains AI-free and the governor wants to keep it that way.

“In March 2022, Avian Influenza outbreaks have been confirmed by the Department of Agriculture in several provinces in Luzon and Mindanao, posing a significant threat to Cebu’s P12 billion poultry industry,” read part of EO No. 26.

Under the EO, there is a restriction on the entry of “live birds, including day-old chicks, pullets, ducks, quails, game fowls, pigeons, and pet birds from mainland Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and other AI-affected areas or countries….”

They are now subject to requirements, such as a "Veterinary Health Certificate" issued by the provincial veterinarian of the province of origin, "Veterinary Shipping Permit", ELISA/HI/ RT-PCR negative laboratory test result for AI; and provincial veterinarian's certification that there’s no AI outbreak in their place seven days prior to the shipment.

Per the EO, poultry products are allowed entry to Cebu if the shippers comply with the requirements, like a "Meat Inspection Certificate" from the National Meat Inspection Service and a "Veterinary Shipping Permit."

As to processed poultry and canned poultry products, they must have a "License to Operate" and a "Certificate of Product Registration" from the Food and Drug Administration.

For table eggs, salted, quall, embryonated eggs/balut, and hatching eggs, and other eggs, there should be a "Veterinary Health Certificate" from the province of origin's provincial veterinarian, "Veterinary Shipping Permit", and a negative AI test result.

“All chicken must be dry, placed in sacks, and covered with plastic and canvas, prior to transport” also read EO 26.

The EO likewise stated that for wild birds, there’s a need for a "Local Transport Permit" from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Under the order, transhipment of live birds from AI-free places to Cebu seaports and airports of are still allowed.

For the directive's enforcement, the governor ordered the barangay animal health aides to mobilize and help the local government units in monitoring their respective places against the disease. — (FREEMAN)