WHEREAS, there were reported cases of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) or Mad Cow Disease in Canada;

WHEREAS, there is increasing scientific evidence that the new variant of Creutzfedt - Jakob Disease (nvCJD or vCJD) in human could probably be transmitted by eating BSE-affected animals;

WHEREAS, the Philippines Imports meat and meat products from Canada; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to prevent the entry of BSE into the country

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARTHUR C. YAP, Secretary of Agriculture, by the powers vested in be my law, do hereby institute emergency measures banning the importation of live cattle, sheep and goats, their meat and meat products; bovine embryo; meat and bone meal; and other feed ingredients derived from the said animals from Canada and prescribe the following:

1. Immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation and issuance of Veterinary Quarantine Clearance/SPS Import Permit for applications relevant to importation of the above-stated commodities from Canada by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI);

2. Stoppage and confiscation of all shipments into the country of affected products originating from Canada by all DA Veterinary Quarantine Officers/Inspectors at all major sea/air ports;

3. The BAI director may issue guidelines for the effective implementation of this memorandum order.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 17 Jan. 2005

(SGD.) ARTHUR C. YAP
Secretary