MANILA, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines temporarily banned the importation of live animals and animal products from Greece following confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the European country, the Department of Agriculture said Tuesday.

A department circular ordered the immediate prohibition of FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products to protect the country's livestock industry. The move came after Greece reported cases of FMD in domestic sheep in early April.

The circular also suspended the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for affected commodities and directed stricter inspection procedures at all ports of entry.

Among the products barred from entry into the country are skeletal muscle meat, live swine, bovine and untreated milk. However, certain processed goods classified as "safe commodities" under international standards may still be allowed entry, subject to strict conditions.

Shipments already in transit before the order took effect may still enter the Philippines if the animals were slaughtered or the products were produced on or before Feb. 28, and comply with existing guidelines. ■