Manila, Feb. 12 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday announced the temporary ban on the import of animal products from Germany to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

This came after Germany confirmed FMD cases among its domestic buffaloes in Hoppegarten, Markisch-Oderland, Brandenburg before the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) on Jan. 10.

FMD, a highly contagious viral infection, affects cloven-hoofed livestock, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and buffaloes.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the ban would "remain in place until Germany regains its FMD-free status from WOAH."

Under DA Memorandum Order 08, the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for p...