DA suspends importation of Japanese poultry due to avian flu

 

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) banned poultry products from Japan after an outbreak of avian influenza, said the agency on Thursday. 

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued a memorandum suspending import clearances for Japanese wild birds, poultry, and poultry products. 

“Only wild birds, poultry, and poultry products imported from Japan that are already in transit, loaded and accepted on or before Nov. 10 will be allowed entry to the Philippines,” the DA said. 

“Shipments after Nov. 10 will either be returned to Japan or confiscated and destroyed,” it added. 

In November 2023, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reported an outbreak of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza to the World Organization for Animal Health. 

Japan joins the DA’s list of countries with importation bans on poultry.

The DA earlier banned poultry products from parts of the United States, France and Belgium due to the avian flu.