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