Manila, Sept. 17 -- The Philippines has temporarily suspended the importation of birds and poultry products from Argentina to prevent the possible spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Wednesday.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Memorandum Order No. 48, prohibiting the entry of such products following declaration of H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the South American nation.

In a statement, Tiu Laurel said the strain poses a "serious risk" not only to the Philippines' poultry industry but also to public health.

"As directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the DA must protect not only food security but also public health," he said.

Under the memo...