MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a temporary prohibition on the importation of domestic and wild birds and related products from the U.S. state of Indiana after authorities confirmed outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. signed the directive ordering the immediate suspension of shipments of poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and poultry semen originating from the Midwestern state.

The move followed a Feb. 23 report from the US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which confirmed several H5N1 outbreaks in Indiana. The cases were verified by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.

According to the DA, the swift spread of the virus in parts of the United States prompted broader trade restrictions to protect the Philippines’ multibillion-peso poultry industry from possible contamination.

The department said the measure is consistent with a 2016 bilateral animal health agreement between Philippines and the United States, which allows a state-wide import ban if three or more counties within a state report avian influenza cases. Indiana has surpassed that threshold based on reports submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

Under the order, the processing and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances (SPSICs) for affected poultry commodities are immediately suspended. Previously issued SPS clearances covering live birds from the state are also automatically revoked.

However, shipments that were already in transit, loaded, or accepted at port before the circular took effect may still enter the country if the poultry products were slaughtered or produced on or before Jan. 30.

Authorities said any shipment that fails to meet the requirements will be confiscated or handled under existing quarantine regulations. Veterinary quarantine officers at major ports have been directed to strictly implement inspection and interdiction procedures.