The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted the temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds, as well as poultry products from France.

In memorandum order  no. 13, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered the import ban lifted after the official report of the French veterinary authorities to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have reflected that all reported cases of HPAI have ended with resolved status and no additional outbreaks after 04 February 2025.

Last year’s outbreak in France had initially prompted the DA to impose strict restrictions on French poultry imports, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen.

This decision comes after an assessment by the DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and careful review of the situation in France, where the disease’s containment appears to have been successful.

The lifting of the ban is expected to ease trade tensions and support the poultry industry, which has been adversely impacted by the restrictions. However, the DA has emphasized the continued monitoring of all incoming shipments, with strict quarantine protocols to ensure the country’s biosecurity remains uncompromised. ###