TEMPORARY BAN ON THE IMPORTATION OF FMD SUSCEPTIBLE ANIMALS, THEIR MEAT, MEAT PRODUCTS AND BY-PRODUCTS ORIGINATING FROM JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA

WHEREAS, the Office International des Epizootic confirms outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Japan and South Korea;

WHEREAS, the Philippines imports some animals, meat, meat products and by-products in these affected countries; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to prevent the entry, establishment, and spread of FMD in the country.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDGARDO J. ANGARA, Secretary of Agriculture, by
the powers vested in me by law, do hereby (a) institute an emergency
measure banning the importation of FMD-susceptible animals, their meat,
meat products and by-products originating from Japan and South Korea
into the Philippines and (b) prescribe the following:

1.      Immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation, and
issuance of Veterinary Quarantine Clearance/SPS Import Permit for
applications relevant to the importation of the above-stated products in
Japan and Korea by the Bureau of Animal Industry;

2.      Stoppage/confiscation of all shipments into the country of
affected products originating from Japan and South Korea by all DA
quarantine inspectors/officers at all major sea/air ports.

3.      Implementation of all necessary veterinary and sanitary
measures (e.g. food bath for arriving passengers from Japan and South
Korea, information dissemination, etc.) at all major ports of entry in
the Philippines by the BAI.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 17 Apr. 2000

(SGD.) EDGARDO J. ANGARA
Secretary