By Katalina Siasau

Imports of raw poultry meat have been restricted by the Ministry of Agriculture (MAFF) to prevent the bird flu, a type of avian influenza that has spread across areas in three countries, the US, Australia, and New Zealand, that are Tonga's main source of chicken, turkey, and duck meat imports. Individual passengers from USA, Australia and New Zealand may not bring in raw poultry meat, although cooked poultry is allowed.

This immediate precautionary measure was issued by the Ministry of Agriculture (MAFF) yesterday evening, 4 December, stated that passengers flying to Tonga from the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, may not bring raw chicken, raw duck, raw turkey, and fresh eggs. The Ministry noted that these restrictions are applied to shipping containers as well. However, these poultry meat are allowed to be brought in only if cooked.

However, commercial businesses who are importing poultry meat are urged to complete and follow through with requirements from the Quarantine office.

"We are issuing these restrictions based on the need and importance of keeping our birds safe and healthy, especially chickens."

Bird Flu

Avian influenza, sometimes called bird flu, is a viral infection that mainly affects birds, although it can 'spill over' to mammals.

Biosecurity New Zealand on Monday, 2 December, placed strict movement controls on a commercial rural Otago egg farm, after testing confirmed a high pathogenic strain of avian influenza in chickens that has likely developed from interactions with local waterfowl and wild birds.