The Department of Agriculture (DA) said Monday it lifted the import ban on domestic and wild birds as well as poultry products from the state of Michigan in the United States.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced this after receiving a report from US veterinary authorities to the World Organization for Animal Health confirming that cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Michigan were resolved, and no new cases were reported since July 12, 2024.
The DA initially imposed a temporary import ban on domestic and wild birds, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen in June 2024 in response to the avian flu outbreak in Michigan.
The DA said such measure was important to protect both consumers and the local poultry industry.
Tiu Laurel said the new order takes effect immediately, but emphasized that all import transactions should comply with DA regulations on agricultural food imports.
The US remains a major source of imported meats for the Philippines, particularly beef and chicken.
