March 10, 2025

Philippines ends ban on poultry products from France

The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted the temporary ban on poultry products from France.

In a statement on March 6, the DA said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel ordered the lifting of the ban through Memorandum Order No. 13.

The decision followed an official report from French veterinary authorities to the World Organisation for Animal Health, stating that all reported cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have "ended with resolved status," with no additional outbreaks since February 4, 2025.

According to the DA, its Bureau of Animal Industry also reviewed the situation, concluding that "the disease's containment appears to have been successful."

"The lifting of the ban is expected to ease trade tensions and support the poultry industry, which has been adversely impacted by the restrictions," the DA stressed.

Despite this, the agency emphasised that strict quarantine protocols and continued monitoring of all incoming shipments will remain in place to safeguard the country's biosecurity.

In September last year, the DA temporarily banned the entry of poultry imports from France due to an HPAI outbreak in Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine, Bretagne, which affected domestic birds.

The restrictions applied to domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and poultry semen from France, the DA previously said.

- Inquirer