Monday, December 3, 2012

Philippines bans Australia poultry imports due to avian flu outbreak


    The Philippines Department of Agriculture has temporarily banned the importation of poultry and poultry products from Australia due to a reported outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the country, according to reports.
    The ban covers domestic and wild birds, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen, originating from New South Wales. The department also mandated that its veterinary quarantine officers in all major ports halt and confiscate all shipments of poultry and poultry products, with the exception of heat-treated products, from New South Wales.
    The affected birds in Australia are free-range layer hens, according to the World Organization for Animal Health. A restricted area of 1-kilometer diameter surrounded by a 9-kilometer diameter control area has been established around the property, which is under quarantine restriction. Tracing is underway, and depopulation is complete, according to a report sent to the organization. Surveillance is continuing and no further signs of disease have been reported.

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