Philippines halts Brazilian poultry imports over bird flu

The Philippines will temporarily halt poultry imports from Brazil following a confirmed bird flu outbreak in the South American country.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced during a Palace press briefing on Monday that the Department of Agriculture (DA) will impose a nationwide ban on Brazilian poultry imports, which usually account for about 60% of the Philippines' mechanically deboned meat (MDM) requirement.

While this ban may cause a brief supply gap of one or two weeks as origins are changed, Laurel assured that alternative suppliers such as Poland, Russia, and Germany can help mitigate any shortages.

Brazil is the country's top meat supplier, but due to the lack of a regionalization agreement with Brazil, imports will be halted entirely.

Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay have already banned poultry imports from Brazil after confirming their first bird flu outbreak on commercial farms.