The Department of Agriculture (DA) imposes another temporary ban on the entry of domestic and wild birds, as well as poultry products, from South Dakota in the United States following a recent outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

In a statement on Thursday, Jan. 23, the DA said the ban seeks to protect the local poultry industry from the potential entry and succeeding impact of the virus.

The order came after reports that several outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza, a subtype of HPAI, have been affecting domestic birds in South Dakota.

The DA noted that this was later confirmed by America’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NSVL) on Dec. 17, 2024.

As an emergency measure, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel has issued Memorandum Order (MO) No. 04 to suspend the processing and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import clearances for South Dakota’s poultry products.

Under Laurel’s order, the prohibition shall cover the importation of domestic and wild birds, including eggs, semen for artificial insemination, day-old chicks, and other poultry products.

The entry of products that are already in transit, loaded, or arrived at local ports may be allowed, provided that they were slaughtered or produced before Nov. 13, 2024.

If such products are not covered by this provision, veterinary quarantine officers and inspectors are mandated to confiscate them.

The Philippines earlier imposed a temporary ban on poultry products coming from South Dakota on Nov. 23, 2023.

The DA likewise cited the threat of H5N1 avian influenza as the cause of the moratorium.

The ban was lifted nine months later, on Aug. 31, 2024, after South Dakota recorded no outbreaks after May 29 of the same year.

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the HPAI is a highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild birds.

The virus can spread through direct contact with secretions from infected birds through feces and contaminated feed and water. 

The WOAH explained that because of its resistant nature, including the ability to survive for long periods when temperatures are low, the virus can also be carried on farm equipment and spread easily from farm to farm.