The Department of Agriculture has lifted the temporary ban it had imposed on poultry imports from California.
The import restriction, previously covering domestic and wild birds as well as products such as poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen, was initially imposed over concerns about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
Under the department circular No. 21, the DA is lifting the ban after reports from US Veterinary Authorities submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), confirming that all HPAI outbreaks in California have been resolved. Under the HPAI regionalization agreement between the two countries, statewide trade restrictions are triggered only if three or more counties report active cases.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. framed the decision to lift the temporary ban as a significant move to ensure food security.
“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.
The DA said all import transactions will proceed according to existing rules and regulations. The circular lifting the ban takes effect after its official publication and filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register at the University of the Philippines Law Center.
The ban’s removal is likely to stabilize poultry supply and prices, which experienced temporary fluctuations during the import halt.
Renewed imports from California could improve efficiency and competitiveness among Philippine poultry producers, while maintaining strict biosecurity standards.
The DA reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring global HPAI developments and enforcing stringent import protocols to safeguard the country’s poultry sector.
