Ukraine bans imports of poultry from the US due to outbreak of bird flu
7 August 2025 09:15
Ukraine has imposed a temporary ban on the import of poultry, hatching eggs and poultry products from the US state of Pennsylvania. The reason was the detection of cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in this region. This was reported by the Eastern Interregional Main Directorate of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection at the state border, referring to the order of the Chief State Veterinary Inspector of Ukraine, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
What exactly is prohibited
The ban includes:
- live poultry
- hatching eggs,
- poultry meat,
- poultry products.
The only exceptions are those products that have undergone heat or other treatment that guarantees the destruction of the avian influenza virus.
Reasons for the decision
The decision was made on the basis of official confirmation from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) of an outbreak in Pennsylvania.
The purpose of the measure is to prevent the introduction of the virus into Ukraine and protect the national poultry industry.
What other states are banned
Ukraine has previously imposed similar restrictions on poultry products from the following US states:
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Illinois
- California
- New Jersey
- Wisconsin
- New Mexico
- Arizona.
Avian influenza is a massive disease of wild birds and poultry caused by a virus that can be transmitted from sick birds to humans. The disease has serious consequences for society around the world and is part of WHO’s monitoring programs.
The avian influenza virus belongs to a large group of different influenza type A viruses that can infect humans, birds (turkeys, chickens, ducks) and animals (pigs, horses, ferrets, seals and whales).
If an avian virus and an ordinary human influenza virus enter the human body at the same time, a new strain appears that acquires the properties of causing severe illness and is easily transmitted from person to person, which can cause an influenza pandemic.
