Animal products, by-products from Korea banned

DUE to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Korea, the Department of Agriculture (DA) bans the importation of FMD-susceptible animals, their products and by-products.

Official reports submitted by Dr. Kiyoon Chang, chief veterinary officer, to the Office International des Epizzoties revealed that there was an outbreak of FMD in Korea, affecting dairy cattle farm in Kyonggi-do Province.

For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap issued a memorandum order for the immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of the application and issuance of veterinary quarantine clearance to import the above stated commodities from the Republic of Korea.

He also ordered to stop and confiscate all shipments of FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products at all major Philippine ports.

Regional Livestock Division Chief Rafael Mercado said the government is very cautious because of the DA’s goal to declare the whole Philippines as FMD-free country.

He said that as of the moment, Visayas and Mindanao are already declared as FMD-free.

"We would like to maintain this recognition and we will not compromise our effort to treat all barriers in having this recognition," Mercado said.

He said the country is aiming to export animal by-products to Japan.

"If we have the recognition that the whole Philippines is FMD-Free, we can easily export our animal products to Japan. Kunting panahon nalang. Kaya maingat tayo dito," Mercado said. (CPM)