QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 8479)
BAI AO No. 20 is issued to encourage voluntary accreditation/monitoring of breeding establishments for captive live birds in order to comply with Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures—protecting animal health from risks arising from entry, establishment, or spread of pests/diseases—consistent with international standards recognized by the SPS Agreement and OIE guidelines.
The applicant must submit all legal documents required for operation, including (as examples) a Wildlife Farm Permit, an Environmental Clearance Certificate (from the appropriate authority such as UBnR as stated), and BAI accreditation by the BAI Animal Welfare Division.
Examples include: (1) clear demarcation/separation from surroundings; (2) suitable arrangements for disposal of euthanized/diseased/dead birds; (3) adequate means of catching, confining, and isolating birds; (4) provision for adequate quarantine facilities; (5) arrangements with a competent laboratory for post-mortem examinations (or premises where competent persons under supervision may perform them); plus strict biosecurity/hygiene implied throughout.
BAI must approve protocols on: traceability, breeding and rearing; procedures for birds under quarantine; disease surveillance and prevention/control measures; compliance with animal welfare regulations; and such other measures required by circumstances.
Key requirements include: (1) negative presence of Avian Influenza (AI), Newcastle Disease (ND), Chlamydia psittacosis, or any emerging notifiable disease on the establishment; (2) review of animal health records for the last three (3) years showing disease-free status based on clinical and laboratory tests; and (3) conduct clinical and laboratory tests for new establishments with repeat tests as necessary.
It ensures traceability and verification of health status, production, and compliance with SPS and monitoring requirements. Records must be kept for at least ten (10) years from the date of approval of accreditation.
Records should contain: age/species/sex/ID of birds arriving or leaving and origin/destination and bird health status; age/species/sex/ID of birds hatched/bred and health status; results of blood tests/diagnostic procedures; disease cases and treatments; results of post-mortems (including dead-in-shell); observations during isolation/quarantine; and submission of monthly production.
Under BAI technical supervision, the veterinarian must implement measures including an annual disease surveillance plan (including zoonoses control), clinical/lab/post-mortem testing of suspected birds, vaccinations as appropriate in line with OIE manuals, immediate notification to BAI of suspected AI/ND/Chlamydia/other symptoms, ensure isolation of incoming birds as required, and ensure day-to-day documentary and animal welfare compliance during transport.
Newly introduced birds must be quarantined at least thirty (30) days (or more depending on health status), must only be from certified farms free from AI, ND, and Chlamydia psittacosis, must be isolated per consignment in an approved quarantine facility, and cannot be moved without proper authorization.
At least thirty (30) days, or more depending on the animal health status of the birds.
The quarantine area must be isolated; handled by dedicated personnel with restrictions on visitors/unauthorized persons/vehicles; no stray animals; provisions for animal food and veterinary supplies; and strict hygiene/sanitation/biosecurity measures to prevent disease contamination.
BAI assigns an official veterinary quarantine officer. The officer ensures quarantine protocols are followed, observes the MOA with DENR on movement of endangered species, coordinates with DENR-PAWB and keeps records (identification, dates introduced, source, marking by agencies, lab tests, production records), conducts regular quarantine activities and inspections, and reports findings/recommendations to the BAI Director (with a copy to the owner).
Sampling rules: for 10 birds or less, all birds are tested; for 11–49, test 15; for 50–229, test 20; for 300 and more, test 30. (The text does not expressly mention the 230–299 bracket; students should note this and answer using the given categories.)
Breeding establishments must allow BAI-authorized veterinarians entry (subject to reasonable farm biosecurity measures) to ensure conditions are met, perform at least twice-yearly visits (or as necessary), audit the farm veterinarian and annual disease surveillance plan, verify no occurrence of AI/ND/Chlamydia via test results, keep and provide updated records, and participate in import/export inspections of quarantine facilities with quarantine inspectors.
Application fee: PHP 500.00 (non-refundable, inclusive in the accreditation fee as stated). Accreditation fee: PHP 10,000.00 per farm, paid upon issuance of the certificate. Renewal: annually.
It may be revoked if the establishment no longer complies with conditions in Sections 1 and 2, or if there is a change of use so it is no longer exclusively for breeding birds. It may also require strict quarantine/movement prohibition if an outbreak of AI/ND/Chlamydia or other emerging notifiable disease is notified.
Quarantine may be lifted after: (i) eradication of the disease and source of infection; (ii) satisfactory cleaning/disinfection; (iii) down time of at least three (3) months; and (iv) full compliance with all requirements and conditions of the Order.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and after filing three (3) copies with the National Administrative Register (UP Law Center, Diliman, Quezon City).