The Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock (MAL) earlier this week provided information for SICCI members regarding the temporary ban on the importation of poultry products from Victoria in Australia.
This was during an information session organized through our Export Industry Development Department.
The prohibition order covers ratite meat, meat products, by products, eggs, egg products, live birds/chicken.
Director of Bio-security, Mr Francis Tsatsia clarified that the ban is only for the state of Victoria.
“Local importers can still import from other virus free states outside of Victoria provided Biosecurity Australia issues a certificate as per Solomon Islands import protocol.
“The prohibition is for six months and will be reviewed and extended if required,” he said.
MAL prompted the action following an outbreak of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus detected on poultry farms in Victoria.
“Currently we are in negotiations with Biosecurity Australia for alternative suppliers for our local importers which are safe and can be certified,” Director Tsatsia said.
He said the prohibition order is part of Biosecurity Solomon Islands’ control measure to mitigate any risks of the HPAI virus coming into the country.
“When we have this prohibition order in place, it makes it easier for us to control any situation where imports do not meet requirements which enables us to penalize people.
“Our focus is not only on the prohibition but also to facilitate trade. As such, we are willing to work with importers in the industry to find other ways to source poultry products coming in,” Mr Tsatsia said.
Those found in breach of the prohibition order will face hefty penalties including a $3000.00 fine or five years imprisonment for individuals while companies are liable to face a fine for up to $1million.
