PH lifts ban on importing poultry from 6 US states
In a statement on Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the importation ban—imposed earlier this year due to outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the six US states— was lifted after US veterinary authorities confirmed that the outbreaks have been resolved.
Also covered by the lifted ban are poultry products such as eggs, day-old chicks, and bird semen used for artificial insemination.
Citing a report submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health, Tiu Laurel said that there have been no new cases of bird flu in the affected areas since June 9.
'The lifting of the import ban is based on science and in accordance with international standards,' the Agriculture chief said.
'Our primary concern is protecting the local poultry industry, a vital part of our food security plan and a major contributor to economic activity,' he said.
With the resumption of importation, the Agriculture chief said the country's poultry supply would be strengthened, which would then help ease price pressures.
Tiu Laurel, nonetheless, said all incoming shipments must still comply with the DA's existing veterinary quarantine protocols and food safety regulations.
The lifting of the ban will remain in force unless officially revoked in writing, according to the DA chief.
'The policy update reaffirms the DA's commitment to science-based decision-making and responsible international trade,' Tiu Laurel said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
4 days ago
- GMA Network
PH humanitarian team recognized for earthquake relief mission in Myanmar
Members of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) who were deployed to Myanmar following a deadly earthquake in March were formally recognized by the Department of National Defense. (Photo from DND) Members of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) who were deployed to Myanmar following a deadly earthquake in March were formally recognized by the Department of National Defense (DND) on Thursday at Camp Aguinaldo. The contingent, comprising personnel from various government agencies, private sector partners, and humanitarian responders, conducted a two-week relief mission in April to support communities affected by the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28. Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., who also chairs the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), led the ceremony. He commended the team for their rapid mobilization and coordination, describing the deployment as an example of the country's growing capacity to contribute to international disaster response. 'This was not just a matter of deploying personnel—it required coordination across agencies and sectors to deliver effective assistance,' said Teodoro in his remarks. The Philippine mission included urban search and rescue teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as medical teams from the Department of Health (DOH). The Office of Civil Defense (OCD)provided logistics and operational coordination. According to the DND, the team provided medical support, structural assessments, and search-and-rescue services in earthquake-stricken communities, in coordination with Myanmar's disaster response authorities and international partners. The recognition ceremony was attended by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, and OCD Officer-in-Charge Asec. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV. The deployment to Myanmar is one of several recent instances in which the Philippines has taken part in international disaster relief operations. In previous years, similar contingents have been sent to areas affected by typhoons, earthquakes, and humanitarian crises within Southeast Asia and the Pacific.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
4 days ago
- GMA Network
PH lifts ban on imported poultry from Brazil
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted the ban on importing domestic and wild birds, including poultry products, from Brazil. In a statement on Friday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laure Jr. said he issued Memorandum Order No. 35, which lifted the importation ban on poultry and birds from the Latin American country imposed on May 19, following an outbreak of avian influenza in the South American nation. The previous ban covers poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen from Brazil. Tiu Laurel said the MO 35 was issued after Brazilian veterinary authorities reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) that the outbreak had been resolved and no new cases have been recorded since June 18. Citing the guidelines of the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code, the Agriculture chief declared that Brazil is now considered free of avian influenza. He added that an evaluation conducted by the DA, through the Bureau of Animal Industry, found the risk of contamination from importing poultry and related products from Brazil to be 'negligible.' Tiu Laurel said the order takes effect immediately and will remain in force until further notice. Brazil is one of the world's largest poultry exporters, reportedly accounting for a third of global chicken trade. By resuming imports from Brazil, the DA chief said the move aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to diversify the country's sources of imported agricultural products. It also aims to strengthen food security and reduce the risks associated with relying too heavily on a limited number of suppliers. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
5 days ago
- GMA Network
PH lifts ban on importing poultry from 6 US states
The Philippine government, through the Department of Agriculture (DA), has lifted the ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds as well as poultry meat and products from six American states—Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In a statement on Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the importation ban—imposed earlier this year due to outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the six US states— was lifted after US veterinary authorities confirmed that the outbreaks have been resolved. Also covered by the lifted ban are poultry products such as eggs, day-old chicks, and bird semen used for artificial insemination. Citing a report submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health, Tiu Laurel said that there have been no new cases of bird flu in the affected areas since June 9. 'The lifting of the import ban is based on science and in accordance with international standards,' the Agriculture chief said. 'Our primary concern is protecting the local poultry industry, a vital part of our food security plan and a major contributor to economic activity,' he said. With the resumption of importation, the Agriculture chief said the country's poultry supply would be strengthened, which would then help ease price pressures. Tiu Laurel, nonetheless, said all incoming shipments must still comply with the DA's existing veterinary quarantine protocols and food safety regulations. The lifting of the ban will remain in force unless officially revoked in writing, according to the DA chief. 'The policy update reaffirms the DA's commitment to science-based decision-making and responsible international trade,' Tiu Laurel said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
