Philippines to Ban on FMD-Susceptible Imported Products
PHILIPPINES - Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has ordered the temporary ban on the importation of livestock animals that may be susceptible to foot and mouth disease (FMD), their products and by-products, coming from Chungcheongbuk-Do, Korea; Jiangsu, China; and Caprivi, Namibia.
13 January 2015
1 minute read
The temporary prohibition took effect through Memorandum Orders 98, 100 and 102, respectively, in December 2014 to protect the health of the local livestock population, and consequently, food safety in the country.
The directive was made following reports from the Office of International des Epizooties (OIE) of outbreak of FMD Virus of Serotype O affecting a backyard piggery farm in China and Korea, and manifestations affecting cattle in Namibia.
“We cannot afford to take chances. We are maintaining our reputation of being an FMD-free country so we are very vigilant of every possible entry of FMD-infected animals or animal products in the Philippines,” Mr Alcala said.
Mr Alcala added that being FMD-free will be an advantage to the Philippines as the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) integrates and opens a free regional market this year.
Under the orders, the Secretary has also listed other specific emergency measures such as the immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of application and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Import Clearance to import the aforementioned commodities from said locations; and stoppage and confiscation of all shipments of aforementioned commodities from said locations.
TheCattleSite News Desk
