The Department of Agriculture (DA) has temporarily suspended 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. issued Department Circular No. 20 after Greece reported cases of FMD among domestic sheep in Lesvos last month.
In a statement, Tiu Laurel said the order was issued to protect the country’s livestock industry, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for the DA to remain vigilant against the entry and spread of transboundary animal diseases.
The circular suspends the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for affected commodities from Greece and directs authorities to conduct strict inspections at all ports of entry.
Covered by the restriction are FMD-prone goods such as skeletal muscle meat, live swine, bovines, and untreated milk. However, certain processed products classified as “safe commodities” under international standards may still be allowed subject to strict conditions.
The DA said shipments already in transit before the circular took effect may still be permitted entry into the Philippines, provided the products were produced or slaughtered on or before February 28 and comply with existing import requirements.
Shipments that fail to meet the guidelines will be confiscated or handled in accordance with existing regulations, the department added.
Tiu Laurel said the move aims to protect local agriculture, food safety, and public health.
“This circular is a critical and proactive step to shield our country from the potentially devastating effects of foot-and-mouth disease,” he said.
“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 said the import restriction will be reviewed regularly depending on global disease developments.