The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted its temporary ban on poultry and poultry products from Minnesota, USA, following the resolution of a High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza outbreak in the state.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed on Tuesday the issuance of Memorandum Order 22, which allows the entry of live poultry, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen from Minnesota.

The ban was initially imposed to protect the local poultry industry, which plays a key role in the country’s food security and provides significant employment and investment.

The DA’s decision to lift the ban is based on reports from US veterinary authorities to the World Organisation for Animal Health, confirming that the HPAI outbreaks in Minnesota have been resolved, with no new cases reported since 28 February.

The United States is a major supplier of poultry products to the Philippines. In 2024, the US shipped 169,226 metric tons of poultry products, excluding eggs, worth $194.1 million to the Philippines, up from $180.5 million in 2023.