By Scout Nelson
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reinstated a ban on poultry imports from South Dakota following reports of H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks. The decision was outlined in Memorandum Order No. 4, signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., to protect the local poultry industry from the bird flu virus.
The ban covers the importation of domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and poultry semen. Laurel emphasized that this measure is vital to prevent the spread of the virus and safeguard the health of local poultry businesses.
According to US veterinary authorities, several outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza were reported in South Dakota on December 17, 2024. Laboratory tests conducted by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Iowa confirmed the presence of the virus.
The memorandum permits the entry of poultry products that were produced or slaughtered before November 13, 2024, provided they were already in transit to local ports before the ban was enforced.
This is not the first time South Dakota has faced such restrictions. A previous import ban was issued in November 2023 due to bird flu cases but was lifted in August 2024. The recent reinstatement follows reports from the World Organization for Animal Health confirming that three or more counties in South Dakota are affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
An agreement between US and Philippine veterinary authorities since 2016 mandates state-wide bans only if multiple counties are impacted.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wikoski
Categories: South Dakota, Government & Policy, Livestock, Poultry