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The Department of Agriculture lifted its temporary ban on imports of domestic and wild birds and their by-products from Japan
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This follows confirmation that Japan is now free from highly pathogenic avian influenza
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The import ban, originally imposed by the DA in November 2024, also covered poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen
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Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries confirmed that all previously reported HPAI cases had been resolved as of June 13, with no new outbreaks since
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted its temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds and their by-products from Japan, following confirmation that the country is now free from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The import ban, originally imposed by the DA in November 2024, also covered poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen. It was enacted as a precautionary measure to safeguard the local poultry industry.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., in Memorandum Order No. 36, cited a report submitted by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), which confirmed that all previously reported HPAI cases had been resolved as of June 13, with no new outbreaks since.
The DA chief said that in accordance with WOAH guidelines and DA’s own risk assessment, it has been determined that Japan is bird flu free and the likelihood of bird flu contamination from imports originating in Japan “is negligible.”
With the lifting of the ban, all import transactions involving poultry products from Japan must comply with DA’s existing sanitary and phytosanitary regulations and import protocols.
DA said the decision is expected to help stabilize poultry supply chains and offer local businesses greater sourcing flexibility, especially amid tight global commodity markets. The order takes immediate effect and will remain in force until amended or formally revoked.
