MANILA, July 11 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines has lifted the temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds and their by-products from Japan, following confirmation that the country is now free from highly pathogenic avian influenza, the Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) said Friday.

In a memorandum issued on July 7, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel ordered the lifting of the import ban imposed by the agriculture department in November 2024, which also covered poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen.

Laurel's decision came after Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries submitted a report to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), which confirmed that all previously reported highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases had been resolved as of June 13, with no new outbreaks since.

He said that, by WOAH guidelines and "our own risk assessment, we have determined that Japan is bird flu-free, the likelihood of bird flu contamination from imports originating in Japan is negligible."

The decision is expected to help stabilize poultry supply chains and offer local businesses greater sourcing flexibility, especially amid tight global commodity markets, stated Laurel.

The latest order takes immediate effect and will remain in force until amended or formally revoked. ■