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The Department of Agriculture imposed a temporary ban on the importation of live animals and animal products from Greece following confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease
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Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Department Circular No. 20 imposing a temporary import ban on FMD-susceptible animals and animal products from Greece
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Triggered by Greece’s official report of FMD cases in domestic sheep in Lesvos on April 6
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Ban covers live swine, bovines, skeletal muscle meat, and untreated milk; certain processed “safe commodities” under international standards may still enter under strict conditions
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Sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for affected commodities are suspended; strict port inspections ordered
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Shipments already in transit may enter if produced or slaughtered on or before February 28 and are compliant with rules
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DA will regularly review the restriction based on global disease developments
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.
Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Department Circular No. 20 ordering the immediate prohibition of FMD-susceptible commodities of Greek origin, the DA announced.
The circular suspends the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for affected products, and directs heightened inspections at all ports of entry.
Greece officially notified international authorities of the Lesvos cases on April 6.
The ban covers skeletal muscle meat, live swine, bovines, and untreated milk. Certain processed goods classified as safe commodities under international veterinary standards may still be allowed entry, but only under strictly defined conditions.
READ: PH bans imports of cattle, buffalo products from France, Italy
Shipments already in transit at the time the circular took effect may proceed through Philippine ports provided they were produced or slaughtered on or before February 28 and meet existing import guidelines. Non-compliant shipments will be confiscated or handled in accordance with applicable regulations.
“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,” Tiu Laurel said.
The DA said it will conduct regular reviews of the import restriction as the situation develops.
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