DA-CAR reiterates guidelines for FMD prevention

By Joseph B. Zambrano

Monday 2nd of July 2012

BAGUIO CITY, July 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) Cordillera has reiterated the guidelines for the prevention of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) to help maintain the status of the country as free from the said disease.

According the DA regional executive director Marilyn V. Sta Catalina, these guidelines cover the shipment of hogs, cattle, carabao, sheep and goats, and other cloven-footed animals, their meat and meat products and by-products.

Sta. Catalina said that livestock farms or establishments, livestock handlers and transport carriers are allowed to transport animals, meat and non-meat animal products and by-products provided they are duly registered with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) or with the DA regional office.

"We are very strict; documents like Certificate of Meat Inspection (COMI) or Meat and Meat Products Inspection Certificate (MMPIC) and Meat Handler’s License from the National Inspection Service are necessary before a shipping permit can be issued," Sta. Catalina said.

For large ruminant animals like cattle and carabao, she said that an additional certification is needed that the animals have been vaccinated against Hemorrhagic Septicemia and the transport of live animals shall be in accordance with existing animal welfare laws and regulations.

"Our office is asking concerned government agencies and the private sector to help maintain the status of the Philippines as FMD-free country to safeguard animal health its meat and its by-products, and the livestock industry, as well as the public health, "Sta Catalina said. (JBZ PIA-CAR)