The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted its temporary ban on the importation of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-susceptible animals and related products from Hungary, reopening a potential source of livestock and meat supplies after international animal health authorities restored the European country’s disease-free status.
The move follows the World Organisation for Animal Health’s (WOAH) decision to reinstate the FMD-free status of Hungary’s containment zone after determining it complies with international animal health standards where vaccination is not practiced.
The import suspension had been imposed under DA Memorandum Order No. 16, Series of 2025, as a precautionary measure following an FMD outbreak in Hungary.
Under the new department circular no. 34 imports of FMD-susceptible animals, meat, and animal by-products from Hungary may resume, subject to existing Department of Agriculture sanitary and veterinary regulations. The order will take effect 15 days after its publication on the DA’s official website and registration with the Office of the National Administrative Register.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the decision reflects the government’s science-based approach to safeguarding animal health while ensuring stable food supplies.
“We remain uncompromising in protecting the country’s livestock industry from transboundary animal diseases, but we also recognize the importance of keeping reliable supply channels open once international standards confirm that risks have been effectively managed. This balanced approach strengthens food security and helps stabilize prices for Filipino consumers,” Tiu Laurel said.
The reopening of Hungarian imports also supports the DA’s broader strategy of diversifying the country’s sources of agricultural imports to reduce supply risks and improve market resilience.
Maintaining multiple supply origins has become increasingly important as the Philippines navigates global disease outbreaks, climate-related disruptions, and volatile food markets. By restoring access to qualified trading partners that meet internationally accepted animal health standards, the government aims to ensure adequate food supplies while preventing unnecessary pressure on domestic prices.
The latest policy underscores the Philippines’ continued adherence to science-based sanitary measures and internationally recognized animal health protocols, allowing the country to protect its livestock sector without unnecessarily restricting trade once exporting countries regain compliance with global biosecurity standards
