MANILA: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of live animals and animal products from Greece due to cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the European country.
Agriculture Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. made the order through department circular no. 20 immediately prohibiting FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products from Greece to protect the Philippines’ livestock industry.
The directive came after Greece officially reported FMD cases in domestic sheep in Lesvos on April 6.
Under the circular, the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for affected commodities have also been suspended, while strict inspections have been required on 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.
Meanwhile, shipments already in transit before the circular’s effectivity may enter the country, so long as they were produced or slaughtered on or before February 28, and comply with established guidelines.
Non-compliant shipment, on the other hand, will be confiscated or dealt with in accordance with existing regulations.
“This circular is a critical and proactive step to shield our country from the potentially devastating effects of foot-and-mouth disease,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement Tuesday.
“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 added.
The DA chief then assured stakeholders that the restriction will be reviewed regularly based on global disease developments. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
