Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday announced the temporary import ban of live animals and animal products from Greece following confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the European country. The DA issued Department Circular No. 20 after Greece reported FMD cases in domestic sheep in Lesvos on April 6.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the order was issued to safeguard the country's livestock sector, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive for the agency to stay vigilant in preventing the entry and spread of transboundary animal diseases. The circular has suspended the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for affected commodities and directs strict inspection at all ports of entry.

Products such as skeletal muscle meat, live swine, bovines, and untreated milk are not allowed entry, while certain processed goods deemed 'safe commodities' under international standards may still be permitted under strict conditions. Shipments already in transit before the circular's effectivity may enter the country, provided these were produced or slaughtered on or before February 28, and comply with established guidelines. Non-compliant shipments will be confiscated or dealt with in accordance with existing regulations.

Tiu Laurel emphasized the urgency and importance of the measure in safeguarding the domestic agriculture sector, ensuring food safety, and protecting 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 assured stakeholders that the restriction will be reviewed regularly based on global disease developments.