THE Department Agriculture (DA) on November 12 imposed a temporary ban on the importation of poultry products from Japan and Austria, following outbreaks of avian influenza or bird flu in both countries.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the ban was necessary to prevent the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), particularly the H5N1 subtype, and protect the local poultry population.
