WHEREAS, based on the report submitted to the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) by Dr. Jean Luc Angot, Director General Adjoint, an occurrence of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) in France;

WHEREAS, low pathogenic avian influenza (H5) has been detected in a duck farm in Saint Aubin du Plain, France;

WHEREAS, travelers may bring in birds and its products from France; WHEREAS, there is a need to prevent the entry of LPAI virus to protect the health of the local poultry population;

NOW, THEREFORE, I , ATTY. ARTHUR C. YAP, 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, including day-old chicks, eggs and semen from France;

2. Immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of the application and issuance of Veterinary Quarantine Clearance (VQC) to import the above-stated commodities from France;

3. Stoppage and confiscation of all shipments of poultry and poultry products into the country originating from  France by all DA Veterinary Quarantine Officers/Inspectors at all major ports.

This Order shall take effect immediately and supercedes/ amends DA Memorandum Order No. 31 dated November 25, 2009 Series of 2009.

Adopted: 21 Dec. 2009

(SGD) ATTY. ARTHUR C. YAP
Secretary