PH lifts ban on Belgian poultry

The Philippines has lifted its temporary ban on poultry imports from Belgium following a government review that found the country’s disease-control measures against bird flu "sufficient."

In a department circular, the Department of Agriculture (DA) formally recognized Belgium’s regionalization protocols for High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI), allowing the resumption of imports from zones deemed free of the disease.

Covered products include poultry meat, eggs, day-old chicks, and breeding materials.

The move comes as the government seeks to stabilize local poultry supply and cushion consumers from persistent inflationary pressures.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the decision reflects a “science-based and risk-calibrated” approach to managing biosecurity risks while ensuring food availability.

“Our priority remains safeguarding Philippine agriculture, while ensuring stable and affordable food supply for Filipino consumers,” Tiu Laurel said.

He added that recognizing Belgium’s regionalization measures shows that disease management can be handled with precision rather than through blanket bans.

“We are opening trade only after rigorous technical evaluation confirmed that the identified zones maintain strong veterinary controls and present negligible risk to local poultry health,” he said.

The DA said the policy allows imports only from bilaterally recognized disease-free zones, ensuring that biosecurity standards are not compromised. —VAL, GMA News