The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced new import restrictions on avian commodities from Japan's Hokkaido Prefecture, effective October 17, 2024. These restrictions follow the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in domestic birds in the region.

Under the new regulations, APHIS prohibits the importation of poultry, commercial birds, ratites, and avian hatching eggs originating from or passing through Hokkaido. Importation of pet birds, zoo birds, and Columbiformes is still allowed but only with a health certificate and an APHIS-issued import permit. These birds must enter the U.S. through either John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York or Miami International Airport, where they will undergo a mandatory 30-day quarantine, including testing.

The importation of unprocessed avian products, byproducts, and certain fresh poultry products from Hokkaido is also banned. Processed avian products can only be imported if accompanied by an APHIS permit or government certification confirming compliance with treatment standards.

Personal use imports of processed avian products from the restricted zone will be allowed only if the products appear thoroughly cooked, are shelf-stable, or meet APHIS-approved treatment standards. Unprocessed avian products, such as hunter-harvested trophies and meat, will not be permitted entry into the U.S.

APHIS will continue monitoring the situation and update restrictions as new information becomes available. The restrictions will be lifted once Japan meets the World Organisation for Animal Health’s criteria for HPAI-free status.

More information is available on the APHIS website:  

• Bringing Live Animals and Germplasm into the United States From Another Country (Import),  

• Animal Product Imports, and  

• Avian Influenza: disease, prevention, and control information.