The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted the temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds, including poultry products, from the Netherlands.
Imposed in December 2024, the ban followed a confirmed outbreak of H5 (N untyped) Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Putten, Gelderland, on Nov. 17, 2024, affecting domestic birds. It covered imports of poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Memorandum Order 31 lifting the restriction after the World Organization for Animal Health declared the Netherlands free from avian influenza.
No new cases have been reported since May 16, 2025.
“The Department of Agriculture’s evaluation shows that the risk of contamination from these imports is now negligible,” the memorandum read.
The order takes immediate effect and will remain valid unless revoked. All conflicting issuances are deemed rescinded.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier directed the DA to diversify the country’s meat and protein sources to strengthen food security amid rising global and domestic animal health risks.
