The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted its ban on poultry imports from Argentina, Romania, and Turkey, reopening supply channels for importers after months of restrictions due to bird flu concerns.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. issued separate memorandum orders authorizing the resumption of imports, citing clearance from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the absence of new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the three countries.

Based on risk assessments by the Bureau of Animal Industry, Tiu Laurel said the “risk of contamination from importing poultry meat, live birds, day-old chicks, and poultry semen from Argentina and Turkey is now considered ‘negligible’.”

The import bans were originally imposed to prevent the entry of HPAI and protect local commercial farms and backyard raisers from production losses linked to the virus. 

However, industry groups earlier warned that prolonged restrictions would tighten supply for importers and meat processors, potentially pushing up prices.

The DA said lifting the bans would help “protect the Philippines’ local poultry industry” while maintaining adequate supply for consumers and businesses. 

It added that reopening safe import channels is part of a broader effort to stabilize the food supply chain and manage price pressures.

The agency said it would continue monitoring animal health developments through WOAH reports and require compliance with veterinary quarantine procedures for all poultry shipments entering the country.