In a bid to curb the potential spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture announced a ban on poultry imports from California and Ohio in the United States. The prohibition, which covers both domesticated and wild birds, including poultry meat and eggs, is designed to safeguard the health of the Philippines’ poultry population, as reported on January 17.
Under this measure, all shipments originating from California and Ohio will be subject to the ban, except for those that were already in transit, loaded, or accepted at Philippine ports before January 15. However, for these exceptions, entry will only be permitted if the poultry was slaughtered two weeks prior to the outbreak.
This move comes on the heels of a recent suspension of poultry product imports from Belgium and France earlier in the month, following concerns about a bird flu outbreak in those European countries.
The ban holds particular significance as the United States is a major supplier of poultry products to the Philippines. In 2023 alone, the Philippines imported a substantial 166,356 tonnes of poultry products valued at $175.8 million from the United States. These imports accounted for 40% of the Southeast Asian nation’s total arrivals, according to government data.
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that can be transmitted by migrating wild birds and subsequently spread between farms. The global poultry industry has grappled with the repercussions of bird flu in recent years, experiencing disruptions in the supply chain and consequent spikes in food prices.
The proactive stance taken by the Philippines in implementing this import ban underscores its commitment to protecting the domestic poultry industry and ensuring food safety amid the ongoing challenges posed by avian influenza.
