Aimed to strengthen the country’s food supply chain, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has officially lifted its temporary ban on poultry imports from the Netherlands.

The decision comes months after the DA restricted the entry of domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen from the European nation following reports of a bird flu outbreak in November last year.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Memorandum Order 31 removing the ban after global animal health authorities confirmed that the Netherlands is now free from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The DA also noted that no new cases have been recorded since mid-May.

“Based on the evaluation of the Department of Agriculture, the risk of contamination from importing live poultry, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen is negligible,” the memorandum stated.

The order takes effect immediately and will remain in force unless formally revoked. Any previous issuances that conflict with the latest directive are considered rescinded.

The lifting of the ban reflects the national government's broader thrust to secure the country’s food sources amid growing threats to animal health worldwide. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the DA to expand and diversify the country’s meat and protein supply, ensuring food resilience amid potential import disruptions and biosecurity challenges.

With trade links to one of Europe’s major poultry producers now reopened, the DA expects improved availability of poultry products in the local market and greater flexibility in managing domestic supply.