THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of animal products and by-products from Greece, following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the country.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered this through Department Circular 20, Series of 2026, signed last May 6.
According to the circular, official reports from Greece’s head of Animal Health Directorate and delegate to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) last April 6 showed cases of FMD among domestic sheep in Pelopi, Lesvos, Greece.
This was confirmed by the Directorate of the Veterinary Center of Athens/Department of Molecular Diagnostics, FMD, Virological, Rickettsial and Exotic Diseases.
The DA emphasized the need to prevent the entry of the FMD virus into the country to protect the health of the domestic FMD-susceptible animal population.
In addition to meat, the ban will also cover related products such as skeletal muscle meat, casings, tallow, hooves, horns, and even semen.
Tiu Laurel also ordered the immediate suspension of processing, evaluation of the application and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances (SPSICs) for these products.
Certain “safe commodities” will remain eligible for import provided they meet specific processing standards or international veterinary attestations. These include UHT milk, heat-treated meat products, protein meal, gelatine, in vivo-derived bovine embryos, and semi-processed leather.
Shipments already in transit, loaded, or accepted into port on or before the effectivity of the circular shall be allowed, provided that they were slaughtered or produced on or before Feb. 28, 2026. Shipments that do not comply will be confiscated or handled according to existing regulations.
Tiu Laurel emphasized the necessity of protecting the domestic agriculture industry, guaranteeing food safety, and safeguarding public health.
“This circular is a critical and proactive step to shield our country from the potentially devastating effects of foot-and-mouth disease. 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 said.
He added that this is aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for the DA to maintain vigilance in preventing the entry and spread of animal diseases in the country.
The DA assured stakeholders that it would regularly review restrictions based on global disease developments.
The circular becomes effective 15 days after publication on the DA website and the filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register at the University of the Philippines Law Center, Diliman, Quezon City.
