WHEREAS, based on a report submitted by Japan to the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) last 23 August, 2005, a low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus type H5N2 has been detected;

WHEREAS, there is a need to prevent the entry of Avian Influenza 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 Japan;

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 by the Bureau of Animal Industry;

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

This Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 12 Sept. 2005

(SGD.) DOMINGO F. PANGANIBAN
Secretary