WHEREAS, the Office International des Epizootic confirms outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Japan and South Korea;

WHEREAS, the Philippines imports some animals, meat, meat products and by-products in these affected countries; and

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

NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDGARDO J. ANGARA, Secretary of Agriculture, by the powers vested in me by law, do hereby (a) institute an emergency measure banning the importation of FMD-susceptible animals, their meat, meat products and by-products originating from Japan and South Korea into the Philippines and (b) 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 Japan and Korea by the Bureau of Animal Industry;

2.      Stoppage/confiscation of all shipments into the country of affected products originating from Japan and South Korea by all DA quarantine inspectors/officers at all major sea/air ports.

3.      Implementation of all necessary veterinary and sanitary measures (e.g. food bath for arriving passengers from Japan and South Korea, information dissemination, etc.) at all major ports of entry in the Philippines by the BAI.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 17 Apr. 2000

(SGD.) EDGARDO J. ANGARA
Secretary