The Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a temporary ban on importing domestic and wild birds and poultry products from South Dakota due to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Order No. 04 on Wednesday, directing the Bureau of Animal Industry to suspend the processing and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for poultry imports from the US state.

In a statement Thursday, Laurel said the ban includes eggs, semen for artificial insemination, day-old chicks, and other poultry products, emphasizing the importance of protecting the local poultry industry, which he described as "a multi-billion-peso sector" critical to job creation, food security, and large investments.

US veterinary authorities confirmed on 17 December several outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in South Dakota affecting domestic birds, a situation verified by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.

The order further mandates veterinary quarantine officers and inspectors nationwide to confiscate imports from South Dakota, except for products in transit, loaded, or accepted into port before the issuance of the ban. Heat-treated poultry products are also exempt.