MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted its temporary import ban on wild and domestic birds from Argentina, Romania, and Turkey after authorities in those countries successfully contained outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. issued separate memorandum orders authorizing the resumption of imports, citing the absence of new bird flu cases and official clearance from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).

The temporary import bans were previously imposed as a precautionary measure to protect the local poultry industry from the spread of the disease.

According to the DA, the decision to lift the restrictions was based on risk assessments conducted by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). The bureau found that the risk of contamination from importing poultry meat, live birds, day-old chicks, and poultry semen from Argentina, Romania, and Turkey is now “negligible.”

Tiu Laurel said reopening imports from these countries is a “strategic and necessary” move to stabilize supply and maintain affordable prices.

“With poultry playing a critical role in ensuring national food security—and contributing significantly to employment and agribusiness—reopening safe import channels is essential for stabilizing supply and keeping prices in check,” the DA said.

The agency added that diversifying import sources will help cushion the country against future supply disruptions, especially amid global challenges such as disease outbreaks and geopolitical tensions.

The lifting of the ban, the DA said, reflects a balance between protecting local producers and ensuring that consumers continue to have access to affordable, safe, and sufficient poultry products.