6 days ago
DA issues temporary ban on import of cattle, buffalo from France and Italy
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Sunday announced a temporary ban on the importation of live cattle and buffalo from France and Italy, following confirmed outbreaks of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), a highly contagious disease which causes fever and distinctive skin nodules in infected animals.
The DA said the ban also covered products and byproducts, including embryos and semen, as provided for in Memorandum Orders 43 and 44 signed on August 1, 2025.
The import bans exempt hides that have been salt-treated, or subjected to ante- and post-mortem, meal and flour from blood, meat other than skeletal muscle or bones; casings, gelatine and collagen, tallow, hooves and horns; and milk and milk products subjected to pasteurization.
'The import restriction will remain in effect until further notice, pending developments in containment and eradication efforts in the affected countries,' the advisory read.
LSD is typically spread by blood-feeding insects such as flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. While it is rarely fatal, it can substantially reduce milk production, weight loss, and cause trade disruptions.
The bans come as Italy reported an outbreak in Orani, Nuoro, Sardegna on July 18, as confirmed by the National Reference Centre for Exotic Animal Diseases.
France reported an outbreak in Chambéry on June 23, as confirmed by the French veterinary office.
Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that Philippine production of cattle grew by 2.0% in the second quarter, while carabao fell by 2.9%. —KG, GMA Integrated News
