DA lifts ban on the importation of cattle from UK

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted the ban on the importation of cattle from the United Kingdom, saying the outbreak of mad cow disease was already addressed.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has issued Memorandum Order 45 allowing the importation of live cattle, meat and meat products, bovine processed animal proteins and semen derived from cattle from the said country.

On May 30, Tiu Laurel ordered a ban on the importation of cattle from the UK in response to reported cases of Bovine spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease from the said country.

The DA chief explained that the import ban was meant to mitigate potential health risks to consumers and protect the local livestock industry.

“Based on the official report of the United Kingdom in the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), the case has ended with resolved status and no additional outbreaks after Aug. 7, 2024,” Tiu Laurel said.

According to Tiu Laurel, upon careful evaluation of the submitted documents and relevant information, none of the products from the case of mad cow has entered the production system nor has been exported to the Philippines.

“Competent authorities from the UK also provided evidence to show that food safety measures are in place. As a country recognized in WOAH with negligible BSE risk, the acceptance of all in -transit and incoming shipments from the UK may commence provided with verified equivalence from the United Kingdom Veterinary Authority,” he said.

The DA said mad cow disease could cause fatal nerve damage in cattle and its entry or possible spread in the country could undermine the livestock industry and compromise food safety.

The agency added that it is zoonotic in nature and causes Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans manifested through brain shrinkage and deterioration.