The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued a temporary ban on the importation of live animals and certain animal products from seven countries in the Middle East and Europe following confirmed outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The affected countries include Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, and others, as reported by the DA on August 10, 2026.
The ban covers live cloven-hoofed animals and their products, such as meat and dairy, to prevent the entry of the highly contagious viral disease that affects livestock. The DA's decision was based on reports from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) confirming active FMD outbreaks in these regions.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the importance of the measure to protect the local livestock industry and food security. The ban will remain in effect until the situation is resolved and the affected countries are declared free of FMD.
Importers and stakeholders are advised to comply with the regulation to avoid penalties. The DA is closely monitoring the situation and will update the public on any changes to the ban.
