Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. lifted a temporary ban on poultry imports from California following the resolution of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in the US state.
The restriction previously covered domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen. Tiu Laurel said the move helps secure a stable food supply while protecting the local poultry industry from biosecurity hazards.
“Lifting the import ban restores vital trade flows while protecting local agriculture. It ensures access to high-quality poultry products without compromising biosecurity,” he said.
US veterinary authorities reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health that all HPAI outbreaks in California were resolved. Under a regionalization agreement between the Philippines and the United States, statewide trade restrictions apply only when 3 or more counties report active cases.
The agency expects the removal of the ban to stabilize poultry supply and prices, which fluctuated during the suspension. Renewed imports from California could also improve efficiency and competitiveness in the local sector, the department said.
