Phl temporarily bans cattle products import from FMD-hit Botswana

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippine government has imposed a temporary ban on the imported cattle products from Botswana after a confirmed report of foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in the African country, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said today.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala called for immediate suspension of processing and evaluation of application and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Import Clearance to FMD-prone animals and their products and by-products coming from Botswana, the department said.

"DA Veterinary Quarantine officers and inspectors at all major ports were also ordered to impede and confiscate shipment of cattle products from the country to curb entry of FMD," it said.  

Citing an official report of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) last October 29, the DA noted that at least four regions in Botswana - Tjaa crush, Tubu, Gumare, and Ngamiland - were identified to have outbreak caused by FMD virus affecting grazing cattle in communal area.

Alcala said that the order is necessary to protect the health of the local livestock population, especially that the Philippines is presently free from FMD.