Manila, June 27 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted its temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds, including poultry products, from the Netherlands.

In a statement issued Friday, the DA said the decision follows the declaration by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) that the Netherlands is now free from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

According to Memorandum Order No. 31, signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the lifting of the ban takes effect immediately.

"Based on the evaluation of the Department of Agriculture, the risk of contamination from importing live poultry, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen is negligible," the order read.

Since May 16, the...