By Stephanie Sevillano

BIRD FLU. The H5N1 strain has killed thousands of sea lions and pelicans in protected areas in Peru since November 2022. The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday (Sept. 17, 2025) ordered the temporary ban on importation of birds and poultry products from Argentina due to the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the country. (File photo courtesy of Anadolu)

MANILA – The Philippines has temporarily suspended the importation of birds and poultry products from Argentina to prevent the possible spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Wednesday.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Memorandum Order No. 48, prohibiting the entry of such products following declaration of H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the South American nation.

In a statement, Tiu Laurel said the strain poses a “serious risk” not only to the Philippines’ poultry industry but also to public health.

“As directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the DA must protect not only food security but also public health,” he said.

Under the memorandum, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) will suspend all applications and issuances of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for birds and poultry products from Argentina.

These include poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen for artificial insemination.

On Aug. 20, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) received reports from the Argentine government on the H5N1 bird flu subtype outbreak shortly after its detection in parts of Buenos Aires on Aug. 17. (PNA)