Poultry exports soar on bird flu fears

PHILIPPINES - The Philippines's poultry exports to Asia are rising strongly this year thanks to its lack of bird flu cases, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said Wednesday.

'It's very evident we are taking advantage of it now,' Yap said, remarking that there had been 3.5 million kilograms (7.7 million pounds) worth of poulty exports so far this year compared to 1.5 million kilograms for all of 2004.

'At this rate, we are looking at 10 million kilograms of exports this year to the region,' he told reporters.

To safeguard the industry, Yap said the government had released an additional 53 million pesos (974,200 dollars) 'to be used as the first line of defense' in ensuring that bird flu does not spread to the Philippines.

Source: Dialog NewsEdge

13 July 2005