Belgian poultry trade resumes

The Philippines has reopened its market to poultry imports from Belgium after local veterinary authorities determined that the European nation had put in place adequate safeguards against bird flu outbreaks.

The decision gives the government additional supply sources for poultry products as authorities continue efforts to stabilize food prices and strengthen food security amid inflation pressures.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) issued Department Circular No. 25 recognizing Belgium’s regionalization protocols for High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza, allowing imports from designated disease-free zones approved under bilateral arrangements.

The order covers poultry meat, eggs, day-old chicks, semen, and other poultry-related products sourced from recognized low-risk areas.

Imports from Belgium had been suspended last year following concerns over avian influenza cases in parts of Europe, prompting tighter quarantine restrictions to protect the domestic poultry sector.

The DA said the reopening followed a technical review by the Bureau of Animal Industry, which assessed Belgium’s disease-control measures, veterinary monitoring, and containment systems.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the move reflects the government’s “science-based and risk-calibrated” approach in balancing food supply requirements with biosecurity protection.

“Our priority remains safeguarding Philippine agriculture, while ensuring stable and affordable food supply for Filipino consumers,” Tiu Laurel said.

“The recognition of Belgium’s regionalization measures demonstrates that disease management can be approached with precision rather than blanket restrictions. We are opening trade only after rigorous technical evaluation confirmed that the identified zones maintain strong veterinary controls and present negligible risk to local poultry health,” he added.

The agriculture chief said the reopening would help secure poultry supply chains and breeding materials without compromising animal health standards.