BAI MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 18, S. 2005 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 September 12, 2005

WHEREAS, based on a report submitted by Japan to the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) last 23 August, 2005, a low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus type H5N2 has been detected;

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

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DOMINGO F. PANGANIBAN, 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;

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 by the Bureau of Animal Industry;

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

This Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 12 Sept. 2005

(SGD.) DOMINGO F. PANGANIBAN
Secretary