The Department of Agriculture has lifted the temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds from Belgium and France due to a recent bird flu outbreak in the two European nations.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. issued separate memorandum orders to lift the import prohibition, including products like poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen.
The decision was made after DA received reports that there have been no additional bird flu outbreaks in Belgium since 21 February and in France since 24 February.
Belgium and France late last year reported infections of the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 strain, prompting DA to issue the import bans to protect the multi-billion-peso poultry industry as well as ensure food safety.
The memorandum orders were both signed 11 April and will take effect immediately.
