The Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of live cattle and water buffalo as well as embryos, semen and raw hides from Spain, following an outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in the region of Cataluña.
The measure is a precautionary step to prevent the entry of the virus into the Philippines and protect the country’s cattle and water buffalo industries, said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
The ban was issued after Spanish veterinary authorities reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) the confirmation of LSD in domestic cattle on Oct. 1, 2025.
Lumpy skin disease is a contagious viral infection that affects cattle and is transmitted mainly through biting insects such as flies and mosquitoes.
While it does not infect humans, the disease can cause serious economic losses due to skin lesions, reduced weight and milk yield, infertility, and hide damage. Although its mortality rate is low, severe cases can still result in death.
Under the directive, the DA will temporarily halt the entry of all live bovine from Spain, including high-risk animal products such as semen, embryos, and unprocessed hides.
Processed and low-risk commodities—including milk and dairy products, skeletal muscle meat, gelatin, collagen, tallow, casings, hooves, horns, processed hides, and blood-derived meat products—will still be permitted entry if accompanied by the appropriate veterinary certification.
The DA assured the public that it continues to monitor the situation and will adjust import protocols as necessary to safeguard the country’s livestock industry.
