While the Department of Agriculture (DA) has effectively applied regionalization measures for High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the United Kingdom since 2024, this arrangement has now been officially formalized through a Department Circular No. 17, the DA said in a news release dated April 22.
This move solidifies the ongoing bilateral recognition of HPAI-free zones, ensuring that trade from designated areas remains uninterrupted.
Following an evaluation by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), the UK was confirmed to maintain robust veterinary oversight and effective mitigation measures, resulting in a low risk of importing infected products from approved zones.
The circular covers live birds, both poultry and non-poultry, including day-old chicks, hatching eggs, and poultry meat, provided these originate from UK areas certified as free from HPAI.
At the core of the policy is “regionalization,” a risk-based approach that allows trade to continue from specific areas of a country proven to be free of disease, even if outbreaks occur elsewhere within its borders.
This means the Philippines can source poultry products from unaffected zones in the UK instead of imposing a blanket nationwide ban, helping ensure more stable and diversified food supply channels.
The move builds on the United Kingdom’s existing system accreditation to export poultry products to the Philippines and aligns with DA Administrative Circular No. 09, series of 2025, which outlines guidelines for recognizing disease-free zones in partner countries.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the policy supports efforts to stabilize supply while safeguarding public health.
“Regionalization gives us flexibility in sourcing food while maintaining strict safeguards,” Tiu Laurel said.
“This strengthens food security by ensuring a steady and safe supply of poultry products for Filipino consumers, even when animal disease outbreaks occur abroad,” he added.
All imports will remain subject to agreed import terms and conditions, as well as existing DA regulations on animal health and food safety.
The circular will take effect 15 days after publication on the DA’s official website and upon filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register at the University of the Philippines Law Center in Diliman, Quezon City.”