Avian flu has now spread to 8 different counties including Taoyuan as losses for poultry farms continue to escalate in Taiwan. The Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine will soon require all poultry farms to provide health certification documents before delivery to slaughterhouses can be undertaken. Avian flu is traveling northward through transmission amongst ducks and geese. Over the past few days, some 86 different poultry farms have sent samples for inspection. The Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine is now putting forward new regulations governing poultry processing.Chang Su-sanBAPHIQ Director-GeneralA veterinarian must issue a health inspection document before waterfowl such as ducks and geese are being sent to slaughterhouses. The validity of this health document is only good for 3 days. While the epidemic has spread throughout Taiwan, large numbers of dead geese were found in local drainage ditches in Yunlin and Chiayi respectively. The huge loophole in disease prevention effort prompts the animal and plant inspection authorities to levy heavy fines for those who thwart epidemic prevention measures.Chang Su-sanBAPHIQ Director-GeneralThose who discard dead livestock and poultry and don’t follow direction of plant and animal inspection authorities will be subject (to a fine) beginning at NT$50,000 and rising to NT$1mn.The decision by plant and animal inspection authorities to levy heavy fines is thought to be an important measure to control unscrupulous businesses who seek to avert and hamper epidemic control measures.

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