WHEREAS, the Office International des Epizooties confirms increasing cases of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) or Mad Cow Disease in European Countries;

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

WHEREAS, the Philippines imports meat and meat products derived from cattle and sheep from these countries;

WHEREAS, there is a need to prevent the entry, establishment, and spread of BSE in the country.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDGARDO J. ANGARA, Secretary of Agriculture, by the powers vested in me by law, do hereby institute an emergency measure 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 said animals from the United Kingdom, Ireland (Republic), Belgium, Denmark, France, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Germany and prescribe the following:

1. Immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation, and issuance of Veterinary Quarantine Clearance/SPS Import Permit for applications relevant to the importation of the above-stated products in the European Countries by the Bureau of Animal Industry;
   
   
2. Stoppage/confiscation of all shipments into the country of affected products originating from the European Countries by all DA Quarantine Inspectors/Officers at all major sea/air ports.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 29 Nov. 2000

(SGD.) EDGARDO J. ANGARA
Secretary

Recommending Approval:

(SGD.) EDNA ZENAIDA V. VILLACORTE, SVM
OIC - Office of the Director