LSD is a contagious viral disease that affects only cattle. - AP
MANILA: The Philippines has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of live cattle and water buffalo, as well as embryos, semen, and raw hides from Spain, following an outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in the region of Cataluna, the country's Department of Agriculture said Wednesday (Oct 22).
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the move is a precautionary measure to prevent the entry of the virus into the Philippines and "to protect the health of the local cattle and water buffalo population".
The ban was prompted by an official report from Spanish veterinary authorities to the World Organization for Animal Health, confirming the outbreak in domestic cattle on Oct 1.
LSD is a contagious viral disease that affects only cattle. It is primarily spread through the bites of biting insects, such as flies and mosquitoes. While not transmissible to humans, LSD can cause significant economic losses in livestock operations. - Xinhua
