Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday announced the lifting of the temporary import ban on poultry products from California, a move aimed at bolstering food security and stabilizing market prices.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DA's decision came after US veterinary authorities reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) that all outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in California had been resolved. This development led to the issuance of Department Circular No. 21, enabling the resumption of poultry imports from the region.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that lifting the import ban is a strategic step to ensure food security. "Lifting the import ban restores vital trade flows while protecting local agriculture. It ensures access to high-quality poultry products without compromising biosecurity," he explained.

The reauthorization of imports is anticipated to stabilize the supply and retail prices of poultry products, which had faced temporary fluctuations during the period of the ban. With the restrictions now lifted, the entry of domestic and wild birds from California, along with poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen, will be permitted.

The DA emphasized that all import transactions will adhere to existing rules and regulations, maintaining strict biosecurity standards for poultry imports. Additionally, the agency reiterated its commitment to closely monitor global HPAI developments and enforce stringent import protocols to safeguard the local poultry sector.