WHEREAS, based on the reports submitted by Romania and Turkey to the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) last 7 October 2005 and 9 October 2005, respectively, outbreaks of avian influenza type A subtype H5N1 have been detected in Romania and Turkey;

WHEREAS, the outbreaks were reported in a farm in Ceamurlia-de-Jos, Tulcea County, in the eastern part of the country in Romania and a farm in Kiziksa, Manyas, Balikesir, in the western part of Turkey;

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 Romania and Turkey;

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 Romania and Turkey by the Bureau of Animal Industry;

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

This Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 18 Oct. 2005

(SGD.) DOMINGO F. PANGANIBAN
Secretary