MANGILAO, Guam — The Guam Department of Agriculture has clarified the requirements for importing poultry, day-old chicks and hatching eggs into Guam following Acting Governor Josh Tenorio’s directive to lift a temporary ban on poultry imports.
The department emphasized that the requirements are not new regulations but reflect existing provisions under 9 Guam Administrative Rules, Chapters 1 and 2, governing animal importation and disease control.
Importers must apply for an entry permit from the Division of Animal Health before shipping poultry to Guam. Poultry, chicks or hatching eggs from the United States, a U.S. territory or commonwealth must come from flocks rated “Pullorum Controlled” or higher under the National Poultry Improvement Plan.
Shipments of day-old chicks and hatching eggs must include a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian confirming the flock has a Pullorum-clean rating, has been free of transmissible disease symptoms for at least 60 days, and that chicks have not been vaccinated with live virus vaccines. Older chickens and turkeys require a certificate also approved by a state or federal veterinary officer, confirming the birds are free of ectoparasites and have received an APHIS-approved Newcastle Disease vaccine 30 to 60 days before shipment.
All poultry arriving in Guam will be inspected by the Territorial Veterinarian or authorized personnel. Birds showing signs of disease may be refused entry or placed under quarantine, with all related costs borne by the importer.
Poultry imported from outside the United States must also obtain a USDA APHIS import permit in addition to meeting Guam’s entry requirements.
