February 6, 2024
Philippines implements ban on live cattle imports from several countries amid LSD concerns
In response to outbreaks of lumpy skin disease (LSD), the Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued a ban on the import of live cattle and buffaloes from Libya, Russia, South Korea, and Thailand, Rappler reported.
The move, initiated by Philippines Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr, aligns with recommendations from the World Organisation for Animal Health Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
Agriculture Secretary Tiu Laurel Jr formalised the directive through DA memorandum order No. 06, calling for the immediate suspension of processing, evaluation, and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary clearances for the import of specific live cattle and buffaloes. This decision aims to prevent the potential spread of LSD.
The DA clarified that while the ban applies to live cattle and buffaloes, safe commodities (skeletal muscle meat, gelatine and collagen, tallow, hooves, and horns) can still be imported from the affected countries, provided they adhere to the import terms and conditions specified by the Philippines.
Secretary Tiu Laurel Jr further instructed authorities to carry out the confiscation, seizure, and disposal of live cattle and buffaloes, as well as related products and by-products, from shipments that do not comply with the memorandum.
- Rappler