Philippines bans poultry imports from US states amidst bird flu fears

In the latest statement, Secretary of Agriculture Tiu Laurel said the ban covers domestic and wild birds and their products, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, and eggs.

He noted that several outbreaks of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza occurred in these states in January and February.

The Philippine Department of Agriculture said the rapid spread of bird flu in a short period since the first laboratory detection necessitates a wider coverage of trade restrictions. It had previously banned poultry imports from Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Maryland, and Missouri.