The Guam Department of Agriculture has clarified the requirements for importing poultry, day-old chicks and hatching eggs into Guam following a directive from Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio to lift the temporary ban on poultry imports.
Officials said the guidance does not introduce new rules but instead explains existing requirements under Guam’s Administrative Rules and Regulations governing animal importation and disease control.
The clarification aims to help farmers, ranchers and importers understand the steps required to bring poultry into Guam while maintaining biosecurity protections against animal diseases.
Under the rules, importers must first apply for an entry permit with the Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health before poultry shipments are sent to Guam.
Poultry, chicks or hatching eggs coming from the United States or U.S. territories must originate from flocks rated “Pullorum Controlled” or higher under the National Poultry Improvement Plan, a program designed to prevent the spread of Pullorum-Typhoid disease.
Day-old chicks—defined as birds less than 72 hours old—must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian confirming the birds come from disease-free flocks and have not been vaccinated with live virus vaccines.
Older chickens and turkeys must also be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate confirming the flock has been examined and found free of transmissible disease and parasites. Birds must also be vaccinated with an approved Newcastle Disease vaccine between 30 and 60 days before shipment.
Upon arrival, all poultry shipments will be inspected by Guam’s territorial veterinarian or authorized personnel. Birds that show signs of disease may be refused entry or placed under quarantine for testing and observation.
Officials also noted that poultry imported from foreign countries must obtain an additional permit from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.