To prevent the entry of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus into the Philippines, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has temporarily banned the importation of FMD-susceptible animals, as well as their products and by-products, from Türkiye.

“We’re imposing an import ban to mitigate the risk of FMD transmission to our local animal population,” said Secretary Laurel.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Order 42 on October 4, imposing the import ban following Türkiye’s report of an FMD outbreak in Cugun, Merkez, Kirsehir, affecting domestic cattle on September 9.

The DA will maintain the import ban until the DA assesses that the local animal population is no longer at risk from FMD. ###