The Department of Agriculture (DA) has temporarily banned the importation of poultry products and related goods from Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin in the United States following recent outbreaks of the H5N1 avian influenza in these places. The decision, under a memorandum order, safeguards the poultry sector and prevents the spread of bird flu in the country.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said U.S. veterinary authorities confirmed the outbreaks early this month and directed the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to halt the processing of import clearances for poultry goods from these places.
The ban includes domestic and wild birds, eggs, semen for artificial insemination, day-old chicks, and other poultry products. However, poultry products slaughtered before the outbreaks are exempt, with specific dates for each state: Illinois (Nov. 14, 2024), Minnesota (Nov. 26, 2024), Wisconsin (Dec. 10, 2024), and Ohio (Dec. 13, 2024).
While the Philippines imported 158.16 million kg of U.S. chicken in 2024, the DA has not disclosed how many came from the affected states. The ban aims to mitigate risks to public health and the local poultry industry.
