PHL eyes China, Vietnam as chicken markets amid new bird flu reports

(Updated 8:17 p.m.) The Philippines is eyeing China and Vietnam as export markets for chicken after a new bird flu strain reportedly affected these two countries’ poultry industry. “We can tap China and Vietnam as possible markets for our exportable chicken since they cannot rely on their own production anymore," Agriculture Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacup said Thursday during the opening of the Food and Drinks Asia 2011 event at the World Trade Center. Salacup noted the Philippines is now 93 percent sufficient in poultry production. Free from bird flu Meanwhile, the Department of Health is monitoring a new strain of bird flu or avian influenza, GMA News TV’s “State of the Nation" newscast reported Wednesday. DOH has clarified that the Philippines does not import chicken from China and Vietnam. The government also has a standing ban on Vietnamese poultry. “Our country remains free from the dreaded bird flu virus. We don’t want to compromise our industry and the safety of our people by allowing the entry of bird-flu infected chicken. The Philippines is the only country in Asia where neighboring nations may safely import their chicken requirement," Salacup said. Earlier, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization urged for heightened readiness and surveillance against a possible resurgence of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza amid signs that bird flu’s mutant strain is spreading in Asia and other regions. The FAO noted that outbreaks have risen progressively with almost 800 cases recorded in 2010 to 2011. Bird migrations possibly aid the spread of the virus, the agency also said. — PE/VS, GMA News