Philippines Imposes Temporary Ban on UK Cattle and Meat Products Following Mad Cow Disease Case

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued a temporary ban on the importation of live cattle and meat products from the United Kingdom after a recent case of Mad Cow Disease was reported in Scotland. This precautionary measure aims to protect consumers and the local livestock industry, valued at PHP 260 billion last year.

The ban, under Memorandum Order 20 issued on May 30, 2024, covers live cattle, meat, meat products, bovine processed animal proteins, and cattle semen. The action follows the detection of a classical strain C-type Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in South Ayrshire, Scotland, confirmed by the World Organization for Animal Health.

Key Points:

• Reason for Ban: The detection of BSE, or Mad Cow Disease, which can cause fatal nerve damage in cattle and potentially lead to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans.
• Scope of Ban: Includes live cattle, meat, meat products, bovine processed animal proteins, and cattle semen from the UK.
• Exception: Shipments already in transit, loaded, or accepted into port before April 10, 2024, will be allowed entry.
• Enhanced Inspections: The DA will enforce stringent inspections at ports to ensure only non-infected and safe cattle products enter the country.

Additional Information:

• Impact on Livestock Industry: The ban aims to prevent any risk to the local livestock industry, which plays a significant role in the Philippines’ economy.
• Health Risks: BSE is known to cause severe health issues in cattle and humans, emphasizing the need for precautionary measures.

The DA’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to safeguarding public health and maintaining the integrity of the country’s food supply.