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The Philippines has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of live cattle and water buffalo from Spain following a confirmed outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in the region of Cataluña
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The suspension covers all live bovine from Spain, including high-risk animal products such as semen, embryos, and unprocessed hides
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Low risk commodities like processed products such as milk and dairy products, skeletal muscle meat, gelatin, collagen, tallow, casings, hooves, horns, processed hides, and blood-derived meat products will still be allowed, if supported with veterinary certification
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The Department of Agriculture 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 Philippines has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of live cattle and water buffalo from Spain following an outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in the region of Cataluña, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on October 22.
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 October 1.
DA said the suspension covers all live bovine from Spain, including high-risk animal products such as semen, embryos, and unprocessed hides.
Low risk commodities like processed products such as milk and dairy products, skeletal muscle meat, gelatin, collagen, tallow, casings, hooves, horns, processed hides, and blood-derived meat products will still be allowed, if supported with veterinary certification.
Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. 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.”
Lumpy skin disease is a contagious viral disease that affects only cattle. It is primarily spread through biting insects such as flies and mosquitoes. Infected animals may suffer from skin lesions, reduced weight and milk production, infertility, and damaged hides. Though the disease has a relatively low mortality rate, severe cases can still result in death.
While not transmissible to humans, LSD can cause significant economic losses in livestock operations.
DA said it will continue to monitor the situation and adjust import protocols as necessary to protect the country’s livestock sector.
Last August, the Philippines also imposed a temporary ban on the importation of live cattle and buffalo, as well as their products and by-products, from France and Italy following confirmed outbreaks of LSD.
