http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4102209.html
MANILA, Philippines — Smuggling of poultry imports from China is increasing the risk of bird flu spreading to the Philippines, an industry executive said Tuesday.
"We're not supposed to import anything from China because it's infected with avian flu," Gregorio San Diego, president of the United Broilers Association of the Philippines, told reporters. "But imported poultry products from China, mainly that of Peking duck, are openly sold in restaurants and retail stores, so we are at risk."
Since 2003, the Philippines has imposed a ban on poultry imports from many Asian countries, including China, due to bird flu concerns.
The Philippines is one of the few Asian nations that have managed to stay free of the disease. Since 2003, bird flu has claimed the lives of at least 135 people across Asia.
According to San Diego, the influx of chicken imports, in addition to smuggled poultry products, has cut demand for local chicken due to a significant price advantage.
MANILA, Philippines — Smuggling of poultry imports from China is increasing the risk of bird flu spreading to the Philippines, an industry executive said Tuesday.
"We're not supposed to import anything from China because it's infected with avian flu," Gregorio San Diego, president of the United Broilers Association of the Philippines, told reporters. "But imported poultry products from China, mainly that of Peking duck, are openly sold in restaurants and retail stores, so we are at risk."
Since 2003, the Philippines has imposed a ban on poultry imports from many Asian countries, including China, due to bird flu concerns.
The Philippines is one of the few Asian nations that have managed to stay free of the disease. Since 2003, bird flu has claimed the lives of at least 135 people across Asia.
According to San Diego, the influx of chicken imports, in addition to smuggled poultry products, has cut demand for local chicken due to a significant price advantage.