TEMPORARY BAN ON THE IMPORTATION OF DOMESTIC AND WILD BIRDS AND THEIR PRODUCTS INCLUDING POULTRY MEAT, DAY OLD CHICKS, EGGS AND SEMEN ORIGINATING FROM PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
WHEREAS, there is a possibility that some travelers may bring in pet birds from People’s Republic of China;
WHEREAS, there is a need to prevent the entry of pathogenic virus causing avian flu to protect the health of the local poultry population;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, LUIS P. LORENZO, JR., 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 the People’s Republic of China;
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 People’s Republic of China by the Bureau of Animal Industry;
3. Stoppage and confiscation of all shipments of poultry and poultry products into the country originating from People’s Republic of China by all DA Quarantine Inspectors/Officers at all major sea/air ports.
This Order shall take effect immediately.
Adopted: 28 Jan. 2004
(SGD.) LUIS P. LORENZO, JR.
Secretary