Agriculture department stops importation of live cattle/buffalo from Japan

To  protect local cattle and water buffalo from lumpy skin disease (LSD), the Department of Agriculture stopped the importation of live cattle and buffalo from Japan. 

LSD is a viral infection which affects cattle and buffalo and can lead to severe health complications and death.

Its symptoms include fever, skin nodules, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, and fluid accumulation under the skin. 

The outbreak in Japan was reported on November 15 in Maebaru, Fukuoka.

In addition to live cattle and buffalo, the DA has also prohibited the importation of related products and by-products, including unpasteurized milk, milk products, embryos, skin, and semen used for artificial insemination.

However, certain items are exempt from the ban such as skeletal muscle meat, casings, gelatin, collagen, tallow, hooves, horns, blood meal, and flour, as well as bovine and water buffalo bones and hides, provided they meet the Philippines’ health standards. Pasteurized milk is also exempt from the restrictions.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the department will continue to monitor the situation and adjust measures as needed.