MANILA — The Department of Agriculture has removed its temporary restriction on poultry imports from Belgium after Philippine veterinary authorities determined that the European country had implemented adequate measures against High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI).

Under Department Circular No. 25, the DA formally acknowledged Belgium’s regionalization protocols on bird flu, paving the way for the resumption of imports of domestic and wild birds and related products from bilaterally recognized free zones.

The allowed imports include poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen.

The DA said the move is expected to expand the government’s options in maintaining poultry supply and supporting food security amid continuing inflationary pressures.

The temporary suspension on Belgian poultry imports was imposed last year due to concerns over avian influenza outbreaks.

According to the DA, the latest decision followed an assessment conducted by the Bureau of Animal Industry on Belgium’s disease-control measures and veterinary monitoring systems.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the move reflects the government’s “science-based and risk-calibrated” strategy in balancing consumer protection and support for the local poultry sector.

“Our priority remains safeguarding Philippine agriculture, while ensuring stable and affordable food supply for Filipino consumers,” Tiu Laurel said.

“The recognition of Belgium’s regionalization measures demonstrates that disease management can be approached with precision rather than blanket restrictions. We are opening trade only after rigorous technical evaluation confirmed that the identified zones maintain strong veterinary controls and present [NEGLIGIBLE] risk to local poultry health,” he added.

Tiu Laurel also said the resumption of imports would help strengthen supply chains for poultry products and breeding materials while maintaining biosecurity standards.