The Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of live animals and animal products from Greece following confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the European country.
According to a news release dated May 12, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered in Department Circular No. 20 the immediate prohibition of FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products to protect the country’s livestock industry.
The directive came after Greece officially reported FMD cases in domestic sheep in Lesvos on April 6.
The circular also suspended the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for affected commodities and directs strict inspection at all ports of entry.
Products such as skeletal muscle meat, live swine, bovines, and untreated milk are not allowed entry, while certain processed goods deemed “safe commodities” under international standards may still be permitted under strict conditions.
Shipments already in transit before the circular’s effectivity may enter the country, provided these were produced or slaughtered on or before February 28, and comply with established guidelines. Non-compliant shipments will be confiscated or dealt with in accordance with existing regulations.
Tiu Laurel underscored the urgency and importance of the measure in safeguarding the domestic agriculture sector, ensuring food safety, and protecting public health.
“This circular is a critical and proactive step to shield our country from the potentially devastating effects of foot-and-mouth disease. By enforcing a temporary ban and tightening import controls, we aim to protect the health of our livestock, ensure food security, and preserve the stability of our agricultural economy,” he said.
The DA chief said measure dovetails with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the agency to stay vigilant in preventing the entry and spread of transboundary animal diseases.
The DA assured stakeholders that the restriction will be reviewed regularly based on global disease developments.