The Department of Agriculture said over the weekend it lifted temporary bans on poultry and poultry product imports from the Netherlands and the US states of Illinois and Wisconsin, but restrictions remain for Kansas due to bird flu outbreaks.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the decision reflects a science-based, risk-managed approach that balances trade and domestic poultry protection.
Illinois and Wisconsin were cleared after veterinary surveillance showed H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases were contained and localized. This allows the resumption of imports for poultry meat, eggs, day-old chicks and semen under existing sanitary rules.
Kansas remains restricted following multiple outbreaks across several counties. This surpassed the agreed 3-county threshold under a 2016 animal health agreement between the U.S. and the Philippines.
Imports from the Netherlands are now permitted following the recognition of regionalization arrangements for HPAI.
Department Circular No. 05 restores market access for birds and their products from designated disease-free zones. A technical review confirmed the country’s veterinary controls and outbreak management systems sufficiently reduce disease transmission risks.
Tiu Laurel noted the selective trade reopening protects food security and the local poultry industry while upholding public health safeguards.
Shipments from restricted areas, including Kansas, remain prohibited. Only consignments dated before Dec. 19, 2025, are allowed under strict documentation.
The circular governing Dutch imports takes effect 15 days after publication on the Department of Agriculture website and filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register.
