Philippines impose import ban to preserve FMD status
The Philippines have implemented a temporary ban on the import of livestock animals, their products and by-products (including pigs and pork products) that could be susceptible to foot and mouth disease (FMD), from Chungcheongbuk-Do, Korea; Jiangsu, China; and Caprivi, Namibia.
The temporary, part of a directive, was made following reports from the Office of International des Epizooties (OIE) of outbreak of FMD Virus of Serotype O affecting backyard piggery farms in China and Korea, and FMD Virus Serotype SAT2 affecting cattle kraals in Caprivi, 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,” Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso J Alcala said.
Also under the directive are other 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.
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