Question & AnswerQ&A (BAI MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 06, S. OF 2010)
The main purpose is to temporarily ban the importation of domestic and wild birds, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen originating from Bhutan to prevent the entry of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus into the Philippines.
The detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) serotype H5N1 in Bhutan prompted the issuance of the ban.
The ban covers domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen originating from Bhutan.
The order mandates the immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation, and issuance of Veterinary Quarantine Clearance to import the affected commodities from Bhutan.
All shipments of poultry and poultry products originating from Bhutan are to be stopped and confiscated by DA Veterinary Quarantine Officers/Inspectors at all major ports.
The order took effect immediately upon its adoption on March 4, 2010.
Because travelers may inadvertently bring in infected birds and bird products that could introduce Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza into the local poultry population, posing a health risk.
The authority is vested in the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture by law, particularly to protect animal health and prevent the spread of transboundary animal diseases.
By preventing the entry and possible introduction of the HPAI virus through banned imports and active monitoring and control at ports, the order helps safeguard local poultry health and farming industries.