- APHIS is proposing to reduce the current HPAI waiting period for certain imported live birds and avian commodities from 90 days to 28 days.
- The proposed change reflects updated science and international trade standards.
- The proposal aligns U.S. import requirements with 2021 guidance from the World Organisation for Animal Health.
- APHIS said economic analysis indicates the change would reduce trade disruptions and generate benefits across the poultry supply chain.
- Public comments will be accepted for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register on Sept. 24, 2026.
- Comments can be submitted through Regulations.gov under Docket No. APHIS-2023-0069.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to update federal import regulations for certain live birds and avian commodities by shortening the required waiting period following a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak.
Under the proposal, the current 90-day requirement would be reduced to 28 days.
APHIS said the proposed change reflects updated science and international trade standards.
Proposal aligns with WOAH guidance
The proposed rule would align U.S. import requirements with 2021 guidance from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
According to APHIS, the WOAH Scientific Commission determined that the HPAI incubation period is shorter than previously understood. Based on available scientific evidence, the commission confirmed that a 28-day recovery window, representing two flock-level incubation periods, is sufficient to demonstrate disease-free status.
APHIS said economic analysis indicates that adopting the updated standard would reduce trade disruptions and generate measurable benefits across the poultry supply chain, helping stabilize markets and reduce costs for producers, processors and consumers.
APHIS opens public comment period
APHIS is inviting public comments on the proposed rule for 60 days following its publication in the Federal Register on Sept. 24, 2026.
The full proposal and public comment submission are available through Regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. APHIS-2023-0069.
Information sourced from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
