Phl bans importation of poultry products from Taiwan

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippines issued today a temporary ban on the importation of poultry meat products, domestic and wild birds including chicks, eggs and semen originating from Taiwan, China.

The temporary ban was issued following the official report of Council of Agriculture in Taiwan to Office International Des Epizooties (OIE) on an outbreak of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) in Yuli, Hua-lien county of Taiwan.

To protect the health of local poultry population, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala immediately ordered a freeze on imports of domestic and wild birds, including chicks, eggs and semen.

"All Department of Agriculture Veterinary Quarantine Inspectors at all major ports are directed to stop all shipments into the country of poultry meat and similar products (with the exception of heat treated products) originating from Chinese Taipei," he said.