The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted its year-old import ban on poultry and bird-related products from Australia, citing the country’s successful containment of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

Effective immediately under Memorandum Order No. 39, the move allows the entry of Australian poultry meat, eggs, day-old chicks, and related items – subject to the Philippines’ existing animal health and biosecurity regulations.

The decision follows confirmation from Australian authorities and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) that Australia has remained HPAI-free since 13 June 2025, restoring its official disease-free status.

The resumption of poultry imports from Australia is expected to help diversify the Philippines’ supply sources ahead of peak holiday demand. Local stakeholders anticipate that easing import restrictions will help stabilize prices, bridge supply gaps, and support the poultry sector during periods of tight domestic production.

“This diversifies our sources of poultry, especially with the expected increase in demand as we head towards the Christmas season,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

According to the Bureau of Animal Industry, poultry products manufactured in Australia on or after 25 July will be cleared for entry into the country, provided they meet all health and sanitary requirements.

The DA emphasized that stringent import controls – including veterinary health certification and disease testing – will remain in place to ensure the safety of the domestic poultry industry. Any shipment failing to comply may be quarantined or denied entry.

The agency also noted that it will continue to monitor global avian influenza trends and may revise import policies in response to emerging risks.