THE Department Agriculture (DA) has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of poultry products from Michigan in the United States following outbreaks of avian influenza or bird flu.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the import ban was necessary to prevent the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), particularly the H5N1 subtype, and protect the local poultry population.

In a memorandum order dated June 7, 2024, the DA said that there was an outbreak of the bird disease in Michigan last March 29, affecting domestic birds. This was later confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories of the said state.

In line with this, Tiu Laurel ordered a ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds, and their products, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen.

"The rapid spread of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza in the United States of America in a short period of time since its first laboratory detection necessitates a wider coverage of trade restriction to prevent the entry of HPAI virus and protect the health of the local poultry population," Tiu Laurel said.

Immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of the application and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance to the above-stated commodities was also ordered.

Shipments from Michigan that are already in transit and were slaughtered or produced before June 7 will be allowed to enter the country.

Data from the DA's Bureau of Animal Industry showed that the US shipped 46.6 million kilograms (kg) of poultry meat to the Philippines from January to April 2024. The US accounted for 34.5 percent of the country's total poultry imports.

In terms of the overall meat imports, the US was the country's second-top source during the period, delivering about 61.13 million kg.

Brazil remained as the biggest supplier of meat imports, shipping 132.17 million kg or 33.3 percent of the country's total meat imports.