Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has issued a temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds, along with poultry products, from three U.S. states—Indiana, New York, and Pennsylvania—due to outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain.

The temporary import ban, implemented through Memorandum Order 14 signed on March 4, aims to protect the health of the local poultry population which creates jobs, generates investments, and essential in ensure food security.

According to the memorandum, several outbreaks of the H5N1 strain were reported in these states as of February 20, confirmed by U.S. veterinary authorities.

Secretary Tiu Laurel said the rapid spread of the virus necessitated the wider coverage of trade restrictions to prevent its entry into the Philippines. The restrictions apply to all domestic and wild birds, including poultry meat, eggs, day-old chicks, semen, and other related products from the affected areas, he added.

The order also mandates the suspension of processing, evaluation, and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances for these commodities. However, shipments already in transit, loaded, or accepted before the official communication of the ban may be allowed, provided that the products were slaughtered or produced at least 14 days prior to the first outbreak in each state.

For Indiana, the first outbreak occurred on January 3, in Jay County; for New York, it was on January 17, in Suffolk County; and for Pennsylvania, it was on February 4, in Dauphin County. Shipments that do not meet these conditions will be stopped and confiscated by veterinary quarantine officers at major ports of entry.

The ban is effective immediately and will remain in place unless revoked in writing. ### (photo by Gian Carlo Luague, DA-AFID)