WHEREAS, transboundary diseases for livestock and poultry are continual threats in the development of the animal industry by endangering animal and public health, compromising food security, and impeding local and international market;

WHEREAS, the potential of our export markets are being harnessed especially in the trade of poultry and poultry products because of our Avian-Influenza free status;

WHEREAS, Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease are transboundary diseases and notifiable diseases to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE);

WHEREAS, national animal disease prevention and control efforts are being done by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) through technical assistance and adequate support services to enhance farm productivity;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PROCESO J. ALCALA, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, by the powers vested in me by law, do hereby issue this Order, to declare Avian Influenza [particularly the H5 and H7 subtypes of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza or any Avian Influenza virus with an intravenous pathogenicity index greater than 1.2 (or as an alternative at least 75% mortality)] and Newcastle Disease as notifiable diseases for poulty and captive bred birds.

Further, the BAI is directed to provide the necessary issuances and implementing guidelines to concerned offices of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Units, including enjoining the assistance of veterinarians in the Local Government Units, to report outbreaks or occurrence of these notifiable diseases in their respective areas of jurisdiction to the said agency.

This Order shall take effect immediately.