Visayas LGUs ban hogs, pork from ASF-hit areas

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Several local government units in the Visayas have banned the entry of live pigs, pork and pork products coming from areas affected by African swine fever (ASF).

The ban was issued following confirmation of ASF cases in the neighboring province of Negros Occidental.

The provincial governments of Cebu and Negros Oriental as well as Capiz and Guimaras restricted the movement of live hogs, pork products and frozen boar semen to prevent the spread of the disease.

Capiz Gov. Fredenil Castro signed an executive order on June 24, banning the entry of live pigs, pork, pork products, hog transport vehicles and livestock shipments originating from or passing through Iloilo and Negros Island.

Guimaras Gov. Lucille Nava issued a similar order mandating stricter border control, veterinary quarantine and implementation of food safety measures to protect the province’s livestock industry.

Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro issued a similar ban effective for 45 days, and ordered concerned officials to intensify the implementation of preventive measures against the disease.

The order prohibits entry of livestock carriers and hog transport vehicles coming from Negros Occidental and other ASF-affected provinces.

Negros Oriental Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria reactivated the ASF Task Force to oversee and coordinate the implementation of national and local measures  aimed at preventing the spread of ASF.

Sagarbarria ordered the strict enforcement of border control and veterinary quarantine procedures including inspection of cargos, transport vehicles, passenger baggage and other vehicles entering the province.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier confirmed that ASF cases have been detected in his province.