Permit Required To Bring In Live Animals To Brunei
By Azlan Othman & Hj Minor Absah

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Department of Agriculture warned the public that the importation of live chicken into Brunei is strictly prohibited in view of the avian influenza affecting the region and the world.

In order to bring in live animals and other products, a permit will be required. In an interview with the Weekend Bulletin, a Health, Livestock Husbandry and Quarantine officer said that the birds and poultry from neighbouring countries are prohibited from being imported into the country. He was responding to Thursday's foiled attempt to smuggle 60 live chickens into the country.

Brunei is still free from avian influenza. Asked on the other live animals, the officer said that the import and export of animals or its products must be declared at the port of entry or exit for quarantine inspection.

Furthermore, the importation of live animals must be accompanied by relevant documents such as an import permit issued by the Department of Agriculture, a veterinary health certificate issued by a veterinarian authorised in the country concerned to certify that the animals are free from diseases that are infectious or contagious in nature, as well as bill of sales and services.

This is to prevent the introduction of exotic diseases or disease agents into the Sultanate that could affect the livestock industry and endanger the public, the officer said. The Animal Quarantine Unit of Agriculture Department has been tasked to look after this matter.

As for the importation of birds listed under the endangered list of CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species), the officer said that people will have to obtain appropriate CITES certification from the authorised government agency before applying for an import permit.

There are also additional requirements that are applicable only to buffalo, cattle, goat and other ruminant for slaughter or breeding.

The Department of Agriculture urged applicants to register under the Company Act and to register with the department.

Applicants must also have evidence of sound financial standing to complete the transaction of importation. In addition, applicants must have proper facilities to accommodate the animals as well as proper slaughtering facilities. If animals are intended for slaughter, applicants must provide sufficient animal feed and must make available proper transportation for the animals.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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