11-07-2025
PH lifts ban on Japan poultry
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday lifted the temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds and their by-products from Japan.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Order No. 36, which lifted the import ban imposed by the DA in November 2024, which also covered poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen. .
Tiu Laurel's decision came after Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries submitted a report to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), which confirmed that all previously reported highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases had been resolved as of June 13, with no new outbreaks since.
He said that, in accordance with WOAH guidelines and 'our own risk assessment, we have determined that Japan is bird flu free the likelihood of bird flu contamination from imports originating in Japan is negligible.'
The Agriculture chief explained that the earlier import ban on Japan poultry was enacted as a precautionary measure to safeguard the local poultry industry.
With the lifting of the ban, all import transactions involving poultry products from Japan must comply with the DA's existing sanitary and phytosanitary regulations and import protocols.
The decision is expected to help stabilize poultry supply chains and offer local businesses greater sourcing flexibility, especially amid tight global commodity markets, according to Tiu Laurel.
The latest order takes immediate effect and will remain in force until amended or formally revoked. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
