The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted the import ban on domestic and wild birds from Japan, including day-old chicks and hatching eggs, after confirming the country is free of highly pathogenic avian influenza. This reverses restrictions set under DA Memorandum Order No. 72, Series of 2025, imposed following reports of a bird flu outbreak.
Japan’s agriculture ministry has confirmed the outbreak has been resolved with no new cases recorded, and the World Organisation for Animal Health has also recognized Japan as avian influenza-free. The DA risk assessment now rates the chance of disease spreading through such imports as negligible.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the decision follows a science-based approach that safeguards the local poultry sector while supporting food security. He noted that reliable supply channels remain important when risks are proven effectively gone, and that access to quality breeding materials will help improve flock genetics, boost sector competitiveness and ease supply limits for producers.
The DA clarified biosecurity rules including inspections and quarantine requirements stay fully enforced. Department Circular No. 40 will take effect 15 days after its online publication and official registration, resuming trade under existing health safeguards.
