-
The Department of Agriculture has lifted the temporary import ban on wild and domestic birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, and poultry semen from Argentina, Romania, and Turkey
-
The decision follows the containment of highly pathogenic avian influenza in those countries and clearance from the World Organization for Animal Health
-
Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued separate memorandum orders authorizing the resumption of imports
-
The DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry conducted risk assessments, determining the risk of contamination as “negligible”
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted the temporary import ban on wild and domestic birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, and poultry semen from Argentina, Romania, and Turkey, citing the containment of highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks and clearance from international animal health authorities.
In separate memorandum orders, Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. authorized the resumption of imports from the three countries after the World Organization for Animal Health confirmed there were no new outbreaks, the DA said in a statement.
The bans were previously imposed as a precautionary measure to protect the local poultry sector from the spread of bird flu.
READ: DA bans bird, poultry, egg from Argentina
According to Tiu Laurel, the DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry determined through risk assessments that the risk of contamination from imports originating from Argentina and Turkey is now considered “negligible.”
Lifting the ban is viewed as a strategic and necessary step toward securing national food supply chains.
“With poultry playing a critical role in ensuring national food security—and contributing significantly to employment and agribusiness—reopening safe import channels is essential for stabilizing supply and keeping prices in check,” the agriculture department said.
DA said allowing imports from multiple countries will also help diversify sources and buffer the Philippines against future supply disruptions, especially as global trade continues to face risks from disease outbreaks and geopolitical instability.
“The DA’s move underscores a balancing act: protecting local producers while ensuring Filipino consumers continue to have access to affordable, safe, and sufficient poultry products,” DA said.
