The Department of Agriculture (DA) has once again imposed a temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds, as well as poultry products, from South Dakota in the US after additional outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the prohibition against the importation of domestic and wild birds, including eggs, semen for artificial insemenation, day-old chicks and other poultry products is intended to prevent the entry of bird flu virus “to protect the health of the local poultry industry.”

The local poultry industry is a multi-billion-peso business that spurs large investments, creates jobs, and helps ensure food security.

He said US veterinary authorities have confirmed on December 17 reports of several outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in South Dakota affecting domestic birds. He said the presence of the bird flu virus was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. He said the ban was necessary given to prevent and control the rapid spread of the virus in the area.

As an emergency measure, Secretary Tiu Laurel issued Memorandum Order no. 04, on Wednesday, which directs the Bureau of Animal Industry to suspend the processing and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for the importation of domestic and wild birds from South Dakota.

The DA chief’s order also mandates all veterinary quarantine officers and inspectors nationwide to confiscate commodities imported from South Dakota except those that were already in transit or arrived at local ports after the issuance of the order. For poultry products, they must have been slaughtered on or before November 13. Heat-treated products are also exempted from the import ban. ###