The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted its temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds, as well as poultry products from France.
DA Memorandum Order No. 13 follows confirmation from French veterinary authorities that all cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the country have been resolved, with no new outbreaks since February 4, 2025, according to a DA news release.
The ban had been imposed last year due to an HPAI outbreak in France, affecting poultry meat, eggs, day-old chicks, and semen.
The lifting of the ban is expected to ease trade restrictions and support the local poultry industry. However, strict quarantine measures will remain in place for all incoming shipments.
In a separate move, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued a temporary ban on poultry imports from three U.S. states—Indiana, New York, and Pennsylvania—following outbreaks of the HPAI H5N1 strain.
Memorandum Order 14 signed on March 4 specifies that the ban applies to all domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, eggs, day-old chicks, semen, and related products from these states.
The restrictions, effective immediately, aim to protect the local poultry population and prevent the virus from entering the Philippines.
“Shipments already in transit, loaded, or accepted before the official communication of the ban may be allowed, provided that the products were slaughtered or produced at least 14 days prior to the first outbreak in each state,” the DA said.
“For Indiana, the first outbreak occurred on January 3, in Jay County; for New York, it was on January 17, in Suffolk County; and for Pennsylvania, it was on February 4, in Dauphin County. Shipments that do not meet these conditions will be stopped and confiscated by veterinary quarantine officers at major ports of entry,” it added.
