DA bans cattle imports from Spain due to lumpy skin disease outbreak

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a temporary ban on cattle imports from Spain due to an outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in the European nation.

This import restriction specifically includes buffalo, their products and by-products, and embryos, skin, and semen from affected animals.

The DA's Memorandum Order No. 66 aims to prevent the introduction of the LSD virus into the Philippines to safeguard the local cattle and water buffalo population.

While the ban covers raw hides of bovines, certain processed items like skeletal muscle meat, milk, and milk products are excluded if they meet specific safety requirements.

Spanish authorities officially reported the LSD outbreak in Cataluña to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) on October 1.

LSD is recognized by the WOAH as an infectious disease that significantly affects the health and welfare of cattle and water buffalo.