MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted its temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds and related products from Australia, following confirmation that the country is now free from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

The ban, imposed in June 2024 under DA Memorandum Order No. 21, was rescinded through Memorandum Order No. 39 after the DA determined that the risk of bird flu contamination from Australian poultry imports is now negligible.

Australian agriculture authorities and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed that all reported bird flu cases in the country have been resolved, with no new outbreaks since June 13, 2025. In line with the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Australia is now officially recognized as HPAI-free.

Poultry products produced in Australia on or after July 25, 2025—including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen—will now be allowed entry into the Philippines, subject to existing regulations and biosecurity protocols.

“This diversifies our sources of poultry, especially with the expected increase in demand as we head towards the Christmas season,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said. “This aligns with the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of a food-secure Philippines.”

The DA noted that reopening poultry trade with Australia, particularly for day-old chicks and meat, could help stabilize prices, ease supply constraints, and support local production during transition periods.

Despite lifting the ban, the DA emphasized that standard import safeguards remain in place. All shipments must comply with health certifications, testing, and sanitary requirements. Non-compliant imports may be denied entry or placed under quarantine.

The order takes immediate effect and applies to all pending and future import transactions involving Australian poultry. The DA will continue to monitor global HPAI developments and adjust import policies as necessary.