Poultry trade with Argentina re-opens after bird flu clearance

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted its temporary ban on poultry and bird imports from Argentina after authorities determined that the South American nation has successfully contained its outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), reopening a potential source of poultry products and breeding materials for the domestic market.

According to a DA news release, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Department Circular No. 29 revoking restrictions imposed earlier this year under Department Circular No. 13, which had prohibited the importation of domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and poultry semen from Argentina.

The decision followed official reports from Argentina’s animal health authorities confirming that the avian influenza case that triggered the ban had been resolved and that no additional outbreaks had been detected. The declaration restored Argentina’s disease-free status under standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

The DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry said its evaluation found the risk of contamination from imports originating from Argentina to be negligible, clearing the way for the resumption of trade once the order takes effect.

“Restoring access to poultry products and breeding materials from Argentina strengthens our supply options at a time when food security remains a national priority,” said Tiu Laurel, adding:

“A broader and more diversified sourcing base helps ensure adequate supply, supports the requirements of our poultry industry, and contributes to price stability for consumers while maintaining the strict biosecurity standards needed to protect local production.”

The move is expected to benefit poultry integrators, breeders, and food processors that rely on imported genetics and raw materials to support local production. Industry players often source from multiple countries to reduce the risk of supply disruptions caused by disease outbreaks, trade restrictions, or logistical bottlenecks.

While Argentina is not among the Philippines’ largest poultry suppliers, the lifting of the ban expands sourcing options at a time when the government is focused on strengthening food security and containing inflation. Additional sources of poultry products and breeding stock could help improve supply resilience and support the long-term growth of the domestic poultry sector.

The decision also reflects the DA’s risk-based approach to animal disease management. The agency routinely imposes targeted import restrictions on countries reporting avian influenza outbreaks while restoring market access once veterinary authorities verify disease containment and compliance with international health standards.

Import transactions involving products slaughtered or produced after the issuance of the circular may resume in accordance with existing DA regulations. The order takes effect 15 days after publication and filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register, formally reopening poultry trade between the Philippines and Argentina.