Singapore port requires notice of animals, birds on ships

Singapore port requires notice of animals, birds on ships    The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has required that all incoming vessels report “the presence of any animal or bird on board, whether intended to be landed in Singapore or not,” the Authority said in a statement.
   Officials of Singapore’s Agro-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) may board vessels to examine the animals or birds that are reported, and detain them for observation and testing.
   The Authority requires a vessel’s owner, master or agent to report such species to a port officer prior to the ship’s arrival, and obtain a permit for entry if the animal or bird is to be off-loaded in Singapore.
   The new rule is effectively immediately, the Authority said.