Manila: The Philippines has lifted its temporary ban on poultry imports from Israel and the US state of South Dakota after authorities declared these areas free from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced Monday. The DA issued separate administrative orders allowing the resumption of shipments of domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, hatching eggs, and semen for artificial insemination from the two areas.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. assured that the department remains committed to upholding international biosecurity measures to ensure the safety of Filipinos. ‘These decisions are based on scientific evidence and international reporting standards to ensure both biosecurity and a stable supply of poultry products,’ he said.

The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed that veterinary authorities in Israel and South Dakota have reported zero cases of HPAI since mid-July.