CEBU CITY -- The province of Cebu has intensified its efforts to prevent the entry of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or bird flu into the province after Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia issued an Executive Order (EO) extending the ban of all live poultry products and wild birds from Luzon and Mindanao.
"The Province of Cebu remains free of the Avian Influenza (Ai) virus and the recent AI outbreaks in from provinces in Luzon and Mindanao continue to pose a threat to the P12-billion poultry industry of Cebu," Garcia said in her EO Number 14 which she issued on Monday (May 23).
Last April 9, the governor issued a similar EO ordering the ban of live poultry products and wild birds for a period of 45 days.
The new EO though does not specify the number of days of its effectivity. The EO took effect on Tuesday, May 24.
Under the latest EO, the province will not allow the entry of live birds including day-old chicks, day-old pullets, ready-to-lay pullets, ducks, quails, game fowls, pigeons and pet birds originating from Luzon, Mindanao and other AI-affected areas and countries.
“The transport of these types of animals from Visayas provinces shall be allowed provided that proper documents shall be presented at port including a negative laboratory test for AI. There is also a need for a certification from the provincial veterinary of the province of origin that the area is AI-free,” read the EO.
The ban also includes poultry by-products such as dung, manure, and feathers.
Poultry meat products are allowed entry from all areas provided these are accompanied with a Meat Inspection Certificate from the government for domestic poultry meat. For imported poultry meat, a Certificate of Meat Inspection is required along with a veterinary shipping permit.
Garcia has asked all towns and city mayors to implement her EO strictly while barangay animal health aides will be mobilized to help in the monitoring and implementation of the ban.