Cebu, Philippines – The Cebu Provincial Government has imposed a 45-day ban on the entry of live hogs, fresh pork, and pork products from Negros Island and other African Swine Fever (ASF)-affected areas to protect the province’s ASF-free status and safeguard its hog industry.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 39 on July 7, directing the immediate enforcement of the ban. The order may be extended or modified depending on the ASF situation and advisories from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
The measure was implemented following reported ASF outbreaks in Negros Island and other parts of the Visayas, while Cebu remains free of the disease based on surveillance conducted by the DA and the BAI.
Under the order, hog raisers and other stakeholders are required to strengthen biosecurity measures, including limiting farm access, regularly disinfecting vehicles, equipment, and footwear, and complying with regulations on the transport of animals and pork products.
The Cebu Port Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, and local government units have also been directed to strictly enforce the ban at seaports, airports, and land entry points. Authorities have been ordered to confiscate prohibited shipments and impose penalties on violators.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Veterinary Office will continue disease surveillance, laboratory testing, and monitoring to ensure the early detection of ASF. Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy said the temporary ban is a proactive measure to protect Cebu’s P20-billion hog industry while maintaining the province’s ASF-free status.
The Provincial Board has also approved a resolution calling for tighter border security and stricter monitoring of all entry points to prevent the entry of ASF-infected hogs into Cebu. – Psalm Axl Perez, Contributor