MANILA, Philippines — To safeguard the country’s livestock industry, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has officially banned the importation of live animals and their derivative products from Greece following a confirmed outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Memorandum Order No. 24 on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, triggering an immediate suspension of all incoming shipments from the Hellenic Republic to prevent the highly contagious virus from reaching Philippine shores.
The order implements a total blockade on specific categories of agricultural imports:
- Live Cloven-Hoofed Animals: This includes domestic and wild species such as cattle, carabaos, pigs, sheep, goats, and deer.
- Meat and Meat Products: Fresh, frozen, chilled, and processed meat derived from the aforementioned animals.
- Biological Products: Animal semen, embryos, and other reproductive materials.
- Exceptions: Processed animal products that have undergone thermal treatment sufficient to inactivate the FMD virus may be allowed, provided they have a valid Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Import Clearance.
The DA has directed the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to enforce strict border controls to ensure no contaminated products enter the local supply chain.
- SPS Clearance Suspension: The processing and issuance of new SPS import clearances for Greek livestock products are halted indefinitely.
- Shipments in Transit: All shipments already in transit or loaded before the signing of the order will be subject to “intensive inspection.” Any products found to be non-compliant or originating from affected zones will be confiscated and destroyed or returned to Greece.
- Protecting FMD-Free Status: The Philippines is currently recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as a country “FMD-free without vaccination.” Maintaining this status is vital for the Philippines’ ability to export its own meat products to the global market.
While the ban is a necessary biosecurity step, officials do not expect it to significantly impact the local meat supply or prices.
- Alternative Sources: Greece is a minor trade partner for the Philippines regarding meat. The country continues to rely on larger suppliers like Brazil, Spain, and the United States for its bulk pork and beef imports.
- Local Industry Protection: The Philippine livestock sector is valued at several hundred billion pesos. An FMD outbreak could lead to massive economic losses for local farmers due to decreased productivity, mass culling, and international trade restrictions.
“We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to biosecurity. Protecting our local farmers and our FMD-free status is a top priority, especially given the current volatility in global agriculture.” — Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.