Philippines formalizes poultry import policy from UK bird flu-free zones
The Philippines has officially adopted a policy allowing poultry imports from designated bird flu-free areas in the United Kingdom, reinforcing a system it has already been implementing since 2024.
Through Department Circular No. 17, the Department of Agriculture (DA) formalized the use of “regionalization” in managing the risks of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI). This approach permits imports from specific areas proven to be disease-free, even if other parts of the exporting country report outbreaks.
The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) assessed the UK’s animal health system and confirmed that it maintains strong veterinary controls and effective disease prevention measures. As a result, the risk of importing contaminated poultry products from approved zones is considered low.
The policy covers a wide range of imports, including live birds (both poultry and non-poultry), day-old chicks, hatching eggs, and poultry meat, as long as these come from UK regions certified free of HPAI.
By adopting this targeted import strategy, the Philippines avoids imposing nationwide bans and instead ensures continued access to safe poultry supplies. This helps stabilize the country’s food supply and diversify sourcing options.
The move also builds on the UK’s existing accreditation to export poultry products to the Philippines and aligns with DA Administrative Circular No. 09, series of 2025, which sets guidelines for recognizing disease-free zones in trading partners.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that the policy balances food security with safety measures, noting that it allows flexibility in sourcing while maintaining strict health safeguards.
All imported products will still be subject to existing regulations on animal health, food safety, and agreed import conditions.
The circular will take effect 15 days after its publication on the DA’s official website and after filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register at the University of the Philippines Law Center.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR
