WASHINGTON – The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) dispute settlement body has agreed to investigate India’s ban on US poultry and eggs.

The United States requested in May a dispute settlement panel be convened to resolve the issue. India claims the ban is necessary to prevent the introduction of avian influenza inside its borders. However, poultry groups have argued the ban is not science-based and that India has ignored international norms.

The US Poultry and Egg Export Council estimates the value of annual US poultry exports to India at $300 million.