The Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued a temporary ban on the importation of animal products from Germany. This action follows a report from Germany’s Directorate of Animal Health, confirming cases of the foot-and-mouth disease in domestic buffaloes in Brandenburg. The ban covers a wide range of products, including meat, tallow, and live animals such as swine, cattle, and water buffaloes, to prevent the virus from spreading to local livestock populations like cattle, pigs, and goats.
While some products, such as ultra-high temperature milk and heat-treated meats, remain exempt, the ban is essential for safeguarding both animal and public health. The Philippines imported over 3 million kilograms of beef from Germany in 2024, and while the suspension may affect availability, measures ensure safety. The DA also mandates that products may be exempted if proven FMD-free through tests.
