DA temporarily bans poultry from Ukraine

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued a temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds and its products from Ukraine following an outbreak of an avian virus in the European country.

In a recent memorandum order issued by the Office of the Secretary, DA said the ban covers the importation of poultry meat, day old chicks, eggs, and semen from Ukraine.

Based on the official report submitted to the World Organization for Animal Health, there was an outbreak of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in Buhakiv, Nemyriv, Vinnitsa that affects birds.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar issued an immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of the application and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import clearance to the said commodities.

Dar said there would be stoppage and confiscation of all shipments of the commodities (with the exception of heat treated products) into the Philippines by all DA veterinary quarantine officers at all major ports of entry.

The memorandum order was issued to prevent the entry of HPAI virus to protect the health of the public and the local poultry population and is set to take effect immediately.

Under the Revised Administrative Code, the DA has the power to issue a general order preventing the entry of animals, animal effects, parts or products from any country with dangerous communicable animal disease.

Apart from Ukraine, the DA has already instituted a ban for imports from Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland, among others.