The Department of Agriculture imposed an indefinite ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds, along with poultry products, from Indiana, New York, and Pennsylvania due to bird flu outbreaks.

According to Memorandum Order 14, signed on 4 March, several outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain were reported in these states as of 20 February, confirmed by US veterinary authorities.

In Indiana, the first outbreak occurred on 3 January in Jay County; on 17 January in Suffolk County, New York; and on 4 February in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.

The processing, evaluation, and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances for these commodities are also suspended.

Meanwhile, shipments already in transit, loaded, or accepted before the official communication of the ban may be allowed, provided the products were slaughtered or produced at least 14 days prior to the first outbreak in each state. Shipments that do not meet these conditions will be stopped and confiscated at major ports of entry.