MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has ordered a temporary ban on the importation of live cattle and water buffalo, as well as embryos, semen, and raw hides from Spain, following the confirmation of a lumpy skin disease (LSD) outbreak in Cataluña.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the move is a precautionary measure to prevent the virus from entering the Philippines and “to protect the health of the local cattle and water buffalo population.”

The ban was issued after Spanish veterinary authorities reported the outbreak in domestic cattle to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) on October 1.

Lumpy skin disease is a contagious viral infection that affects only cattle and is transmitted mainly through biting insects such as flies and mosquitoes. While it does not spread to humans, the disease can cause serious economic losses in livestock production. Infected animals may develop skin lesions, lose weight, produce less milk, suffer from infertility, and have damaged hides. Severe cases can also lead to death, although the disease generally has a low mortality rate.

To mitigate the risk, the DA suspended the importation of all live bovine animals from Spain, including high-risk products such as semen, embryos, and unprocessed hides.

The department clarified that low-risk, processed commodities such as milk and dairy products, skeletal muscle meat, gelatin, collagen, tallow, casings, hooves, horns, processed hides, and blood-derived products will still be allowed entry, provided they are accompanied by veterinary certification.

The DA said it will continue to monitor developments and adjust import protocols as needed to safeguard the country’s livestock industry.