The Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of live animals and certain animal products from Greece following confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in sheep on the island of Lesvos last month.
Scope of the Ban
Under Department Circular 20, the DA has suspended the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for affected products and ordered stricter inspections at all ports nationwide. Products covered by the ban include skeletal muscle meat, live swine, bovines, and untreated milk.
Exceptions and Conditions
However, the entry of certain processed goods considered “safe commodities” based on international standards is still allowed, provided they comply with strict conditions. Shipments that were dispatched before the circular took effect may also be permitted entry if the products were produced or slaughtered before February 28 and adhere to existing guidelines.
Shipments that do not comply with the policy will be confiscated or subjected to appropriate legal action.
Official Statement
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that the circular is a critical step to protect the country from the potential impact of the disease. “This circular is a critical and proactive step to shield our country from the potentially devastating effects of foot-and-mouth disease,” Laurel said.
