WHEREAS, most of the Asian countries are affected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) based on the reports to the Office International des Epizooties (OIE);

WHEREAS, trans-shipment of live poultry in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Laos, Cambodia, Pakistan Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand is prohibited;

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 this emergency measure:

Confiscation and disposal of all shipments of live domestic and wild birds including poultry meat, day old chicks, eggs and semen into the country that passed through countries affected with avian influenza by all DA Quarantine Officers/Inspectors at all seaports and air ports of the country.

This ORDER shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 3 Feb. 2004


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