DA bans imports of Australian chicken products

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has temporarily banned the importation of poultry and other poultry products from Australia after the latter reported an avian influenza outbreak there.

The order was based on an official report of the Australian government to the World Health Organization, confirming an outbreak of the bird flu in Lethbridge, Victoria, on July 24.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said all incoming poultry shipments from Australia with necessary permits might still be allowed to come in, provided the permits were issued on or before Aug. 6.

This is to prevent the entry of avian influenza in the country. Last month, the Bureau of Animal Industry confirmed the detection of avian flu in Pampanga.

—Karl R. Ocampo