South Korea OKs import of poultry, pet birds from Philippines —DA

South Korea has lifted the suspension on the entry of poultry and pet birds from the Philippines, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced over the weekend.

According to Agriculture Attache in Korea Maria Alilia Maghirang, the suspension was lifted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (MAFRA)  effective August 6, 2021.

“We are pleased to inform the good Secretary that the Philippines can already export live birds (other than poultry) to South Korea,” Maghirang said in a letter to Agriculture Secretary William Dar coursed through Undersecretary Fermin Adriano.

“Post expects Philippine chicken meat export may commence upon approval of the poultry establishments,” she added.

The Philippine Agriculture Office in Seoul said it has also coordinated with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the National Meat Inspection to comply with the requirements of the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA).

The requirements include the revision of veterinary health certificates for chicken meat and pet birds, and the submission of application forms for the accreditation to export chicken meat to Korea.

Korea suspended the entry of poultry and pet birds from the Philippines, following the H5 avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in the country.

The DA in January said the country was declared avian influenza-free by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), after resolving the outbreaks in Pampanga and Rizal. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News