BAI MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 01, S. 2004 TEMPORARY BAN ON THE IMPORTATION OF DOMESTIC AND WILD BIRDS AND THEIR PRODUCTS INCLUDING POULTRY MEAT, DAY OLD CHICKS, EGGS AND SEMEN ORIGINATING FROM JAPAN AND VIETNAM January 13, 2004

WHEREAS, based on a report submitted by Vietnam and Japan to the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) last 9 January and 12 January 2004, respectively, has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI);

WHEREAS, there is a possibility that some travelers may bring in pet birds from Vietnam and Japan;

WHEREAS, there is a need to prevent the entry of HPAI virus to protect the health of the local poultry population;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LUIS P. LORENZO, JR., Secretary of Agriculture, by the powers vested in me by law, do hereby institute the following emergency measures:

1. Banning the importation of domestic and wild birds and their products, including day-old chicks, eggs and semen from Japan and Vietnam;

2. Immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation and issuance of Veterinary Quarantine Clearance/International Veterinary Certificate/Import Permit for applications relevant to the importation of the above-stated commodities from Japan and Vietnam by the Bureau of Animal Industry;

3. Stoppage and confiscation of all shipments of poultry and poultry products into the country originating from Japan and Vietnam by all DA Quarantine Inspectors/Officers at all major sea/air ports.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 13 Jan. 2004

(SGD.) LUIS P. LORENZO, JR.
Secretary