Farm to Slaughterhouse Movement
- Animals for slaughter must be transported directly from farms to slaughterhouses.
- Required documents include:
- Livestock Handler's License (LHL) issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
- Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) detailing health status, inspection details, farm info, number of animals, destination, vaccination, and purpose of movement.
- Shipping Permit (SP) issued only by deputized Veterinary Quarantine Officers.
- PNP Clearance for transporting large animals like cattle and carabaos.
- Livestock traders must ensure animals are moved only when buyers are ready to guarantee immediate slaughter.
- FMD susceptible animals must be slaughtered within 24 hours of arrival.
- Stockyards authorized by BAI may temporarily hold animals only from FMD-free areas with proper facilities.
- Animals arriving without the proper permits are considered illegal and subject to confiscation, immediate slaughter, or penalties.
- Shipping companies must verify proper documentation or face penalties.
Acceptance in Slaughterhouses
- Licensed livestock traders must present animals with VHC, SP, and Quarantine Inspection Clearance (QIC).
- Slaughterhouse management maintains records of arrival.
- Antemortem inspection by livestock or meat inspectors is mandatory before slaughter.
- Only healthy animals with valid documentation are accepted.
- Infected animals are rejected, confiscated, slaughtered, and buried in deep pits.
Immediate Slaughter Requirement
- Animals must be slaughtered within 24 hours upon arrival at accredited slaughterhouses or authorized stockyards.
- If slaughter delayed beyond 24 hours, inspectors can order immediate slaughter and carcasses stored in cold storage at owner's expense.
- Provisions await further development of regulated stockyards and facilities in Metro Manila.
Control and Operation of Authorized Facilities
- Government regulatory officers monitor compliance with operational and sanitation standards.
- Operating schedule set for arrival, slaughter, and cleaning/disinfection.
- Adoption of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) required.
- Stockyard operators must implement biosecurity and sanitation programs, accept only healthy animals with valid documents.
- Livestock vehicles must be cleaned and disinfected after unloading.
- FMD presence in stockyards requires immediate condemnation of infected animals and slaughter of exposed ones.
- Affected stockyards will be temporarily closed for cleaning and disinfection until approval for reopening.
Reporting Requirements
- Officers must submit monthly reports on:
- Number of licensed livestock handlers.
- Shipping permits issued.
- Quarantine inspection clearances issued.
- Meat inspection and slaughter certificates.
- Reports submitted to BAI Director attention to the National FMD Task Force (NFMDTF).
Penalties
- Violations of Section 1765 of the Revised Administrative Code of 1917: fine up to Php 1,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both.
- Violations of this Order without specific penalties: administrative fine not less than Php 1,000.
- Violation by livestock traders leads to revocation of Livestock Handler's License.
- Accredited slaughterhouses may lose their Certificate of Accreditation for violations.
- Government officers may face administrative charges for dereliction and insubordination under the Civil Service Code.
- Shipping companies violating provisions incur penalties under MARINA regulations.
Non-liability and Cost Responsibilities
- Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representatives are not liable for animal damages during implementation.
- Persons or entities violating provisions bear costs of demurrage, cartage, labor, disinfection, and condemnation.
Effectivity
- The Order becomes effective 15 days after publication in a general newspaper or the Official Gazette and filing with the UP Law Center.