The Department of Agriculture has ordered a temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds from France after the European country reported in early August the outbreak of avian influenza.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Order 40 on September  27, 2024, imposing the import ban, which also covers shipments of live poultry, poultry products, and by-products, including day-old chicks and semen.

The agriculture chief said the decision was made after France reported to the World Organisation on Animal Health the outbreak of the High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Saint-Malo,Ille-et-Vilaine,Bretagne,France, on August 7, 2024. Laboratory tests confirmed the bird flu infection, the DA said.

“We are imposing the ban as a preemptive measure to stop the entry of infected birds and their by-products into the country. This step will prevent the spread of the virus that could have a devastating impact on the local poultry industry,” said Secretary Tiu Laurel.

DA Memorandum Order 40 also suspended the issuance by the Bureau of Animal Industry of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances for shipments coming from France.

Only birds slaughtered or products processed before July 25, 2024, will be allowed to enter the Philippines.

Veterinary quarantine offices were ordered to stop and confiscate shipments of wild and domestic birds, eggs, semen, poultry products, and by-products, except those that are heat-treated.

The DA said the import ban will remain in place until lifted by the agency.

The Philippines recorded 150,752 kgs of imported poultry product arrivals from France between January to August 2024. ###