Philippines Reopens Imports of New Zealand Poultry
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced the lifting of the temporary import ban on domesticated and wild birds, including poultry products, from New Zealand. The move follows the resolution of avian influenza outbreaks in the country and the confirmation by international health authorities that the situation is under control.
What Changed and Why
In an official advisory, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. disclosed that Memorandum Order 62 authorizes the resumption of imports from New Zealand. The ban, which was imposed in January due to reports of avian influenza, is now lifted after the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed that all cases had been resolved and no new outbreaks were recorded.
Commodities Covered
The resumption of imports includes several key poultry products: poultry meat, day-old chicks, table eggs, and poultry semen used for artificial insemination. These items may enter the country in accordance with existing DA rules and regulations, as long as slaughter or production occurred after the issuance of the memorandum order.
Regulatory and Industry Implications
DA officials emphasized that trade can proceed under established import protocols. The decision balances animal health safeguards with the needs of the poultry industry and related sectors. Importers are advised to ensure compliance with current DA guidelines to prevent disruptions and maintain food safety standards.
What This Means for Stakeholders
Poultry farmers, distributors, and exporters can anticipate resumed supply chains for New Zealand-origin products. Retailers and consumers may see a return of normal sourcing options for poultry meat, eggs, and related inputs like day-old chicks and semen used for breeding programs. The move is expected to bolster market stability and support ongoing efforts to meet domestic demand.
Global Health and Trade Context
The WOAH’s confirmation that New Zealand has contained avian influenza and reported no new outbreaks is central to the decision. International health authorities play a crucial role in guiding safe trade practices, especially for countries with significant poultry industries. The DA’s action aligns with global best practices to resume trade only after robust verification of disease-free status.
