WHEREAS, based on the reports submitted by Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia to the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) last 24 July 2005, August 2, 2005 and August 8, 2005, respectively, outbreaks of avian influenza type A subtype H5 has been detected for Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia;

WHEREAS, the outbreaks were reported in private farms in nine villages in the districts of Kupino, Dovolnoye and Chistoozernoye, Novosibirsk region in Russia, geese farm in the village of Golubovka, Irtysh district, Pavlodar region in Kazakhstan and Erhel lake, Alag-Ederne country, Huvsgel province in Mongolia;

WHEREAS, there is a possibility that some travelers may bring in pet birds from Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia;

WHEREAS, there is a need to prevent the entry of HPAI virus to protect the health of the local poultry population;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DOMINGO F. PANGANIBAN, 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 Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia;

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 Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia by the Bureau of Animal Industry;

3. Stoppage and confiscation of all shipments of poultry and poultry products into the country originating from Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia by all DA Quarantine Officers/Inspectors at all major sea/air ports.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 18 Aug. 2005

(SGD.) DOMINGO F. PANGANIBAN
Secretary