BOC to monitor entry of meat, poultry products amid bird flu, FMD scare

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has ordered the strict monitoring of shipments of meat and poultry products in connection with the reported cases of foot and mouth and bird flu diseases in China, Belgium and Canada. Intelligence and Enforcement Group officer-in-charge Jairus Paguntalan said this was in accordance with an order from the Agriculture Department for them to be on alert against imported poultry and pork products amid the reported FMD outbreak in two China provinces. This came as a new outbreak of bird flu was reported at a turkey farm in British Columbia, and a geese breeding farm and two ornamental bird farms in Belgium. In a statement, Paras said the tight guarding on the products was ordered to protect Philippine consumers as well as the country’s bird flu-free status. The Philippines, along with Brunei and Singapore, are the only Avian Influenza-free countries in Southeast Asia. A temporary suspension of all applications to import cattle and poultry from the three countries was likewise issued. Reports indicated that 51 countries have reported fresh bird flu outbreaks since Jan. 21, this year. - GMANews.TV