Import Alert: Release of HPAI Restrictions on Iwate and Hokkaido Prefectures in Japan

Import Alert: Release of HPAI Restrictions on Iwate and Hokkaido Prefectures in Japan

Issuance Date: August 25, 2022        

Effective date: August 25, 2022

Effective August 25, 2022, and until further notice, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services (VS) is removing restrictions on the importation of poultry, commercial birds, ratites, avian hatching eggs, unprocessed avian products and byproducts, and certain fresh poultry products from Iwate and Hokkaido Prefectures in Japan.

VS placed avian commodity restrictions on these prefectures due to the diagnosis of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in domestic birds, effective February 12, 2022 (Iwate) and April 16, 2022 (Hokkaido).

Each prefecture has now effectively demonstrated complete resolution of the HPAI outbreaks and met the requirements to regain its previous HPAI-free status in accordance with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, previously OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Chapter 10.4, Article 10.4.3. Therefore, this alert rescinds the previous alert and removes the HPAI restrictions for avian commodities originating from or transiting these two prefectures.

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