MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday lifted the temporary import ban on poultry products from California.
The DA issued Department Circular No. 21 after US veterinary authorities reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) the resolution of all Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in the country.
In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the order is a significant move to ensure food security.
“Lifting the import ban restores vital trade flows while protecting local agriculture. It ensures access to high-quality poultry products without compromising biosecurity,” he said.
It is also expected to help stabilize the supply and retail prices of poultry products, which experienced temporary price fluctuations during the import ban.
With the restrictions lifted, the government will allow the entry of domestic and wild birds from California, as well as products like poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen.
All import transactions will proceed according to existing rules and regulations, and strict biosecurity standards on poultry imports will also be maintained, the agency said.
The DA also reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitor global HPAI developments and enforce stringent import protocols to protect the local poultry sector. (PNA)