The Department of Agriculture (DA) of the Philippines has reimposed a temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds, including poultry products, from South Dakota, USA, following new outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain. This decision aims to safeguard the health of the local poultry industry and prevent the entry of the bird flu virus into the country.
According to reports from U.S. veterinary authorities, several H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks affecting domestic birds were confirmed in South Dakota on December 17. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, verified the presence of the virus. In response, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Order No. 04 on January 23, 2025, directing the Bureau of Animal Industry to suspend the processing and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for the affected commodities from South Dakota.
The order also mandates that all veterinary quarantine officers and inspectors nationwide confiscate poultry products imported from South Dakota, except for those already in transit or that arrived at local ports after the issuance of the order. For poultry products, exemptions are made for items slaughtered on or before November 13, as well as heat-treated products.
This move underscores the DA’s commitment to protecting the country’s multi-billion-peso poultry industry, which plays a significant role in investments, job creation, and food security. The department continues to monitor the situation closely to prevent and control the spread of the avian influenza virus.
Previously, the DA had lifted a similar ban on poultry imports from South Dakota in August 2024 after the state reported no new avian influenza outbreaks since May 29, 2024. However, the recurrence of the virus has necessitated the reinstatement of import restrictions to ensure the safety and stability of the local poultry sector.
The DA advises all stakeholders in the poultry industry to remain vigilant and adhere to biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of avian influenza transmission. The department will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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