WHEREAS, the Secretary of Environment and Food of Hong Kong Administrative Region confirmed the outbreak of Avian Influenza (HSNI) last May 16, 2001;

WHEREAS, there is a need to prevent the entry of this highly pathogenic virus to protect our local poultry industry;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LEONARDO Q. MONTEMAYOR, Secretary of Agriculture, by the power vested in me by law, do hereby institute an emergency measure banning the importation of domestic and wild birds; day-old chicks, turkey poults and other newly-hatched avian species; hatching eggs; semen of domestic and wild birds; fresh meat of domestic and wild birds; products of animal origin (from birds) destined for use in animal feeding or for industrial use, originating from the People's Republic of China (PROC) including the Hong Kong Administrative Region and prescribed the following:

1. Immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation, and issuance of Veterinary Quarantine Clearance/IVC Import Permit for applications relevant to the importation of the above-stated products from the People ™s Republic of China and Hong Kong Administrative Region, by the Bureau of Animal Industry;
   
   
2. Stoppage/confiscation of all shipments into the country of suspected/affected products originating from People ™s Republic of China and Hong Kong Administrative Region by all DA Quarantine Inspectors/Officers at all major sea/air ports.
   
   This Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 19 May 2001

(SGD.) LEONARDO Q. MONTEMAYOR
Secretary