Philippines ban imports of animal products from Slovakia after FMD outbreak

On Tuesday, April 8, the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture imposed a temporary ban on importing animals and animal products from Slovakia after a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak was confirmed in the European country. The import ban ordered by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable animals such as cattle, goats, and carabaos. At present, the Philippines are considered FMD-free by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Animal product imports from Slovakia are still allowed for certain items, including UHT milk, heat-treated meat in sealed containers, gelatin, protein meals, and pickled pelts.
Shipments in transit or accepted into port before the ban’s announcement may still enter the country provided the items were produced or slaughtered before the declaration of an FMD outbreak in Slovakia and test negative for the disease. The Department of Agriculture said it also suspended the processing, evaluation, and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for affected products.