MANILA, Philippines, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- Philippines customs officials are tightening controls on the import of poultry into the country after a new outbreak of bird flu in South Korea.
The Manila Times said the Department of Agriculture will be importing at least 6.6.million kilos of chicken this year to avert a shortage during the Christmas season.
Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales told the newspaper that customs officials were closely coordinating with the agriculture and health departments and the Veterinary Quarantine Office on safety measures.
He said ships found to be carrying poultry products from countries that have bird-flu outbreaks would not be allowed to dock and unload their cargo.
"No foreign vessels coming from or which passed through countries with reported outbreaks will be allowed to berth until health officials declare the vessel and its crew bird flu-free," he told The Manila Times.
