DA lifts ban on poultry imports from 2 US states

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted the ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds and their products from two states in the US after the outbreak of avian flu had already been addressed.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Order 13 allowing the resumption in the importation of live poultry, poultry products and byproducts including day-old chicks and hatching eggs originating from Iowa and Minnesota.

“Based on the official report of US Veterinary Authorities in the World Organization Animal Health, all affected counties of Iowa and Minnesota reported that the High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) cases have ended with resolved status and no additional outbreaks after Dec. 20, 2023 and Jan. 10, 2024,” Laurel said.

Laurel said as a country recognized with HPAI regionalization arrangement with the Philippines, state wide trade restrictions shall only be imposed if there are three or more countries affected by HPAI.

“This order is hereby issued to lift the temporary ban on the importation of live poultry, poultry products, and by-products including day-old chicks and hatching eggs originating from the states of Iowa and Minnesota and shall be in accordance with existing rules and regulations of the DA,” he added.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the bird flu spreads among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.

It said that bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with avian influenza viruses have occurred.