The PoultryIndustries Association is calling onthe government to impose stricter bio-security measures to protect Papua New Guineafrom diseases carrlied on imported poultry products.
Any outbreak of disease could cripplPNG’s entire poultry industry.
The chickens grown bythe major producers like Zenag and Niugini Tablebirds are primarily for a local market with an ever present demand. Bet this local market faces a potential threat that could decimatethe industry if stricter biosecurity measures aren’t imposed.
Stanley Leahy, fromthe PoultryIndustries Association, says government agencies, especiallythe National Agriculture and QuarantineInspection Authority have to do a risk assessment of all imported poultry products.
Papua New Guinea/strong> also needs similar biosecurity protocols to Fiji, Australia and New Zealand.
There are many diseases that could affect poultry in Papua New Guineaandthe impacts – based on experiences in Australia – are always swift and severe.
Large numbers of birds can die and millions of kina can be lost almost overnight if tighter control measures aren’t put in place.
The PoultryIndustry Association meanwhile has taken steps to educate its members onthe disease threat. Ephriam Turalil is distributor who says because ofthe absence of diseases, many are blissfully unaware ofthe threat.
Government agencies who oversee poultry imports feel obliged to allow imports under lax regulatory structures citing trade agreements between that need to be honored. Bet as that attitude continues, thousands of farmers are being put at risk.
Scott Waide, National EMTV News – LAE
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