BOC steps up watch vs entry of avian flu

The Bureau of Customs is closely monitoring shipments of birds of any kind and poultry products from Japan and Vietnam to prevent the entry into the country of the avian influenza virus, officials said yesterday.

Customs Commissioner Antonio Bernardo said he has alerted all port districts not to release any shipment of birds and poultry products from the two countries after the Department of Agriculture (DA) imposed a temporary ban on their importation.

The ban was imposed after Japan and Vietnam officially reported that they had been hit by an outbreak of avian influenza or bird flu, a disease that can also kill humans.

The DA sought the assistance of the Customs bureau, saying "the ban is necessary not only to protect our multi-billion poultry and livestock industry but also as a precautionary measure against a potentially damaging attack on human health."

Japan and Vietnam account for 20 percent of importations of poultry and poultry products, with the United States and Canada getting the lion’s share.

Food chains have turned to local poultry producers since the importation ban was imposed starting Jan. 9. – Rey Arquiza