Manila, May 6 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted the temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds, as well as poultry products from Minnesota, USA.

The decision follows the resolution of an earlier outbreak of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the state.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Order No. 22, permitting the entry into the Philippines of live poultry, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen originating from Minnesota.

The ban was initially imposed to safeguard the local poultry industry, which is crucial to the country's food security and a significant source of employment and investment.

The DA's decision to lift the import ban was based on official reports fr...