The Department of Agriculture (DA), has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of live chickens, as well as poultry products, from Maryland and Missouri following outbreaks of bird flu.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the rapid spread of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the US necessitated the imposition of tighter trade restrictions to safeguard local poultry populations.

“The quick escalation of bird flu cases in the US since its first detection demands a more extensive coverage of trade restrictions to prevent the entry of the virus,” Tiu Laurel added.

DA issued Memorandum Order 7 last February 4, 2025 which temporarily halts the importation of domestic and wild birds, as well as poultry products like meat, eggs, day-old chicks, and semen from the affected states.

The order also suspends the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for these commodities.

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The importation ban was imposed after 89 flocks in the two states were tested and found to be positive for bird flu, the DA chief said, adding that a total of 13.2 million birds are affected in confirmed infected premises.

Under the order, shipments already in transit, or those accepted at port, will be allowed entry provided they were slaughtered or produced at least 14 days before the first reported outbreak.

The first case in Maryland was detected on January 14, while Missouri reported its outbreak on the same day.

Shipments that fail to meet these conditions will be either returned to the country of origin or disposed, said Tiu Laurel.