Philippines bans Australian poultry imports due to bird flu
The Philippines has announced a ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen from Australia following recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus subtypes H7N3 and H7N9. The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that these outbreaks were detected on May 23 and 25, respectively. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has instructed the Bureau of Animal Industry to cease the issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances for these products. However, shipments from Australia that were slaughtered or produced before May 9, 2024, will still be allowed.
Australia is the Philippines' fourth-largest source of imported chicken meat, contributing to 4% of its total chicken imports, with 5,365 metric tons imported in April. The World Health Organization has noted cases of human infection with avian influenza, but there is currently no confirmed human-to-human transmission. Victoria's agriculture department is implementing measures to contain the virus, which has affected multiple poultry farms near Melbourne. The Philippines continues to monitor the situation closely to prevent the spread of the virus.
