DA suspends Dutch poultry imports

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has suspended the importation of poultry and poultry products from the Netherlands due to an avian virus outbreak.

In a memorandum order signed by Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, the DA said that importation of domestic and wild birds, and their products including poultry meat, day old chicks, eggs and semen from the Netherlands are prohibited.

Reports submitted by Dutch authorities to the World Health Organization for Animal Health showed an outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Biddinghuizen, Dronten.

The DA said there was a need to prevent the entry of HPAI virus to protect the local poultry industry.

As part of the ban, the DA also suspended the processing, evaluation of application and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance for the commodities.

It said that all shipments coming from the Netherlands that were in transit, loaded or accepted at the port before the official communication of the order to Dutch authorities would be allowed, provided the poultry or products were slaughtered or produced on or before July 9.

The order was issued on Aug. 11 and took effect immediately.

Meanwhile, in a separate memorandum circular, the DA issued an addendum to its guidelines on the movement of poultry products during an avian influenza outbreak, particularly the transport of racing pigeons.

Under the new circular, the DA said that racing pigeons from avian influenza-free provinces could be transported to areas not affected by the virus.

It said that only registered pigeon clubs are allowed to train and race pigeons.

Among the requirements in applying for a local shipping permit are veterinary health, pigeon clubs and animal disease monitoring compliance certificates as well as livestock handler’s license, registration of transport carrier and certificate of avian influenza-free status of the farm where the birds were sourced.

The certificate of free status will not be required in regions that are not affected by the avian influenza.

The circular was issued on Aug. 11 and took effect immediately.