A number of agencies are investigating the smuggling of poultry products into Papua New Guinea.
Since last week, the Poultry Industry Association (PIA) of PNG and National Quarantine and Inspection Authority have been working with other relevant authorities to investigate the arrival of frozen poultry products from high risk countries.
These products from South East Asia can bring diseases that can wipe out the K900 million poultry industry in the country and contribute to widespread food shortage, PIA President, Chris Prestwood, revealed to Loop PNG today.
Meanwhile, PIA spokesman, Dr Keith Galgal, said: “This is extremely dangerous for PNG farmers and wildlife because highly virulent H5N1 Avian influenza, or Human Bird Flu, Newcastle Disease and Infectious Bursal Disease, can be carried on frozen carcasses.”
The poultry industry contributes over K900 million into the country’s economy, with K450 million raised by local farmers.
The National Agriculture and Research Institute estimates that 1 out of 4 households are involved in poultry production.
There is an import protocol gazetted by the National Government on all poultry products.
“All uncooked poultry must be imported from countries that have a stringent biosecurity standard similar to New Zealand,” stated Prestwood.