The temporary ban was issued following the official report of Dr Ping-Cheng Yang, Director of the Animal Technology Institute Taiwan, Council of Agriculture, Taiwan, Chinese Taipei to Office International Des Epizooties (OIE), on an outbreak of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) in Yuli, Hua-lien, Chinese Taipei.

Reports state that the LPAI serotype H5N3 was isolated from a meat-type duck farm on 16 July 2013 and the National Laboratory (Animal Health Research Institute) confirmed the virus through virological test and pathologenicity test on 2 August 2013.

To protect the health of the local poultry population, Alcala immediately ordered a freeze on imports of domestic and wild birds, including day old chicks, eggs, and semen. The Agri chief also ordered the immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of the application and issuance of Veterinary Quarantine Clearance (VQS/SPS) for the import of the said commodities.

All DA Veterinary Quarantine/Inspectors at all major ports are directed to stop all shipments into the country of poultry meat and similar products (with the exception of heat treated products) originating from Chinese Taipei.

Further Reading

You can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here.