DA bans FMD-susceptible imports from Greece

Title DA Temporarily Bans FMD-Susceptible Imports from Greece 5 Key 
Insights

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a temporary ban on importing
importing animal products and by-products from Greece due to an outbreak of
of foot and mouth disease (FMD). In this blog post, we'll break down the ke
key insights behind the DA's decision.

### 1. Confirmation of FMD Outbreak

Official reports from Greece's Animal Health Directorate and the World Orga
Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed cases of FMD among domestic
domestic sheep in Pelopi, Lesvos, Greece. The DA emphasized the need to pre
prevent the entry of the FMD virus into the country to protect the health o
of our domestic FMD-susceptible animal population.

### 2. Scope of the Ban

The temporary ban covers a wide range of products, including meat, skeletal
skeletal muscle meat, casings, tallow, hooves, horns, and even semen. The D
DA aims to prevent the entry of the FMD virus into our country's agricultur
agricultural industry, ensuring the health and well-being of domestic anima
animals.

### 3. Safe Commodity Exemptions

Certain safe commodities will remain eligible for import provided they me
meet specific processing standards or international veterinary attestations
attestations. These include UHT milk, heat-treated meat products, protein m
meal, gelatine, in vivo-derived bovine embryos, and semi-processed leather.
leather.

### 4. Exceptions for Already Transit Shipments

Shipments already in transit, loaded, or accepted into port on or before th
the effectivity of the circular shall be allowed, provided that they were s
slaughtered or produced on or before February 28, 2026. Shipments that do n
not comply will be confiscated or handled according to existing regulations
regulations.

### 5. Rectifying Measures

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the necessity of 
protecting our domestic agriculture industry, guaranteeing food safety, and
and safeguarding public health. He noted that this measure is aligned with 
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive for the DA to maintain vigilance
vigilance in preventing the entry and spread of animal diseases in the coun
country.

In conclusion, the DA's temporary ban on FMD-susceptible imports from Greec
Greece is a critical step in protecting our agricultural industry, ensuring
ensuring food security, and preserving public health. By rectifying these m
measures, we can ensure that our country remains vigilant against the poten
potential threats posed by animal diseases like FMD.

Keywords Department of Agriculture, Foot and Mouth Disease, Greece, An
Animal Health Directorate, World Organization for Animal Health, Sanitary a
and Phytosanitary Import Clearances, Food Safety, Public Health.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.