Buffalo Imports Threaten Philippine Livestock

PHILIPPINES - A decision made by the Philippines Department of Agriculture to open the market to buffalo meat importation may adversely effect the rest of the livestock industry, whilst also posing a serious threat of disease.
calendar icon 24 July 2008
clock icon 1 minute read

According to the Manila Bulletin, the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NFHFI) and the Philippine Association of Meat Processing Inc. (PAMPI) are opposing a DA administrative order which is allowing food chains and hotel and restaurant businesses to import their own table-grade buffalo meat needs.

First, allowing the importation of buffalo meat from India will threaten health of the livestock sector.

"We’re just done with our battle against FMD (foot and mouth disease), and here is an order contradictory to it. The OIE (Office International des Epizooties) has not yet certified India as foot and mouth disease-free," said NFHFI chairman Gabriel Uy in an interview.

The Manila Bulletin reported that a PAMPI officer said that the DA regulation will be very hard to monitor so that buffalo meat can definitely find its way to the local wet market and thus dampen local hog price to the detriment of the hog sector.

  • View the Manila Bulletin story by clicking here.

    TheCattleSite News Desk

  • © 2000 - 2024 - Global Ag Media. All Rights Reserved | No part of this site may be reproduced without permission.