DA temporarily bans importation of animals, animal products from Greece

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has temporarily banned the importation of live animals and animal products from Greece due to confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in domestic sheep in Lesvos last month.

Under Department Circular 20, the DA also suspended the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for affected commodities, and ordered the strict inspection of all ports in the country.

The ban covers products such as skeletal muscle meat, live swine, bovines, and untreated milk, while certain processed goods deemed “safe commodities” under international standards are still allowed entry under strict conditions.

Shipments that have been in transit prior to the circular’s effectivity may also enter the country, provided that these were produced or slaughtered before February 28, and comply with established guidelines. Non-compliant shipments will be confiscated or dealt with in accordance with existing regulations.

“This circular is a critical and proactive step to shield our country from the potentially devastating effects of foot-and-moth diseases,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement.

“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. —VAL, GMA News