MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA)--The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental (PGMO) has temporarily banned the importation of live meat and poultry products in the province as a measure to protect its poultry industry and ensure the further spread of Avian Influenza type A subtype (H5N1), which according to the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS), is "dangerous and contagious."

According to Executive Order 2022-011, Series of 2022, all species of live birds, fresh or hatching eggs (cooked or uncooked), and poultry products that are processed but uncooked coming Luzon, Soccsksargen Region, and other provinces with a confirmed case of avian influenza are banned from entering the province.

However, the ban does not include cooked/canned poultry products provided that corresponding necessary documentary requirements from appropriate agencies together with the shipping permit issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) are presented.

On a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO), H5N1 is a type of influenza virus that causes a highly infectious, severe respiratory disease in birds called avian influenza or "bird flu", human cases of H5N1 avian influenza occur occasionally, but it is difficult to transmit the infection from person to person.

The law issued by Gov. Peter M. Unabia aims to protect the chicken industry or poultry industry in the province, which is one of the major sources of income for farmers, the said ban shall be applied progressively for provinces with positive detection of avian influenza and the executive order shall take effect and continue in force until further notice.  (VPSB/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)