TEMPORARY BAN ON THE IMPORTATION OF DOMESTIC AND WILD BIRDS AND THEIR PRODUCTS INCLUDING POULTRY MEAT, DAY OLD CHICKS, EGGS AND SEMEN ORIGINATING FROM ROMANIA AND TURKEY

WHEREAS, based on the reports submitted by Romania and Turkey to the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) last 7 October 2005 and 9 October 2005, respectively, outbreaks of avian influenza type A subtype H5N1 have been detected in Romania and Turkey;

WHEREAS, the outbreaks were reported in a farm in Ceamurlia-de-Jos, Tulcea County, in the eastern part of the country in Romania and a farm in Kiziksa, Manyas, Balikesir, in the western part of Turkey;

WHEREAS, there is a need to prevent the entry of Avian Influenza virus to protect the health of the local poultry population;

NOW, THEREFORE, I , DOMINGO F. PANGANIBAN, Secretary of Agriculture, by the powers vested in me by law, do hereby institute the following emergency measures:

1. Banning the importation of domestic and wild birds and their products, including day-old chicks, eggs and semen from Romania and Turkey;

2. Immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation and issuance of Veterinary Quarantine Clearance/International Veterinary Certificate/Import Permit for applications relevant to the importation of the above-stated commodities from Romania and Turkey by the Bureau of Animal Industry;

3. Stoppage and confiscation of all shipments of poultry and poultry products into the country originating from Romania and Turkey by all DA Quarantine Officers/Inspectors at all major sea/ air ports.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 18 Oct. 2005

(SGD.) DOMINGO F. PANGANIBAN
Secretary