The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted its temporary ban on poultry imports, allowing local producers to resume sourcing breeding stock and eggs from Japan. The move follows Japan’s official declaration that it is free of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The move restores a vital supply channel for Philippine poultry producers while maintaining strict veterinary and quarantine safeguards.
The earlier ban covered domestic and wild birds, including day-old chicks and hatching eggs, after Japan reported bird flu cases in 2025.
The DA said Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries had confirmed that the outbreak was contained, with no new cases reported. Japan is also recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health as free from avian influenza. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel said the decision followed the latest assessment of the disease risk.
“We will never compromise the health of our poultry industry, but we also recognize the importance of keeping reliable supply channels open when science tells us the risk has been effectively eliminated,” Laurel said.
“Lifting the ban supports food security by ensuring access to quality breeding materials, strengthens the competitiveness of our poultry sector, and demonstrates that sound animal health measures can protect both public health and agricultural production,” he added.
The resumption of imports could give local producers access to high-quality breeding stock and enhance flock genetics while easing supply constraints. The DA emphasized that biosecurity protocols, including veterinary inspections, quarantine procedures, and import requirements, will remain strictly enforced.
The circular will take effect 15 days after publication and upon completion of its filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register.
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