Gov’t lifts Hungary livestock import ban

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted the temporary ban on the importation of livestock, meat and animal by-products from Hungary after the European country was declared free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

The move follows the declaration by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) that Hungary is now free of FMD. The DA formalized the decision through Department Circular No. 34, allowing the resumption of imports of FMD-susceptible animals and related products.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the decision was based on science and international animal health standards. He said the government remains committed to protecting the local livestock industry while ensuring a stable food supply.

“We remain uncompromising in protecting the country’s livestock industry from transboundary animal diseases, but we also recognize the importance of keeping reliable supply channels open once international standards confirm that risks have been effectively managed,” Tiu Laurel said.

The DA said the policy also supports its strategy of diversifying import sources to minimize supply disruptions and reduce unnecessary price pressures. It noted that disease outbreaks, climate-related events and volatile global food markets continue to pose risks to food security.

According to the DA, the resumption of imports from Hungary will take effect 15 days after the circular’s publication on the agency’s official website and its registration with the Office of the National Administrative Register.

The import ban was imposed last year through DA Memorandum Order No. 16, Series of 2025, as a precautionary measure following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Hungary.