DA lifts import bans on German meat, Belgian poultry

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted import bans on meat commodities from Germany and poultry items from Belgium.

This decision follows Germany's declaration as free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral infection affecting cloven-hoofed livestock, and the containment of bird flu in Belgium.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated in his Memorandum Orders 29 and 30 that the risk of contamination is negligible under guidelines set by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).

German veterinary authorities provided all necessary documentation to support this decision, reversing a temporary ban imposed by the DA in February due to confirmed FMD cases.

Belgium's recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been contained, allowing imports of poultry products to resume.

In 2024, Germany supplied about 0.5% of the Philippines' total beef imports with 3,177.5 metric tons, and the lifting of the ban could potentially restore broader livestock trade between both countries.