Ban on hogs, pork entry to Cebu extends to 90 days

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu provincial government has extended the ban on the entry of live hogs, pork, and pork products from Negros Island and other African Swine Fever (ASF)-affected provinces and areas to 90 days.

This comes after Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro issued Executive Order No. 44, Series of 2026, on Aug. 20, extending the 45-day prohibition previously imposed under Executive Order No. 38.

The extension adds another 45 days to the original ban, unless it is sooner lifted, modified, or further extended based on recommendations from the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), official advisories, surveillance data, and risk assessments.

The order covers the entry, transport, shipment, delivery, or introduction into Cebu of live domestic and wild pigs, fresh, chilled, or frozen pork, processed pork products, and other pork-derived products from Negros Island and other ASF-affected areas.

The PVO, Department of Agriculture (DA), and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) may also identify other swine products, by-products, materials, or articles that could pose a risk of ASF transmission.

Baricuatro said the continued occurrence and threat of ASF in Negros Island and other affected areas require precautionary measures to prevent the disease from entering and spreading in Cebu.

Cebu province is also strengthening biosecurity measures among hog raisers, swine farms, livestock traders, meat dealers, slaughterhouses, transporters, and other stakeholders.

These measures include restricting access to swine farms, maintaining disinfection facilities, regularly cleaning and disinfecting vehicles and equipment, preventing the unauthorized movement of hogs and regulated pork products, and keeping records of the movement and sources of live hogs when required.

Hog raisers and other concerned stakeholders are also required to immediately isolate animals showing symptoms associated with ASF and report them to the city or municipal veterinarian or the PVO.

The order further directs the PVO, in coordination with national agencies, local governments, port authorities, and law enforcement agencies, to intensify inspections at ports, airports, wharves, roll-on and roll-off facilities, private landing areas, and other entry points into Cebu.

Baricuatro added that shipments suspected of carrying prohibited or regulated commodities may be inspected and verified.

She added that unauthorized shipments may be denied entry, confiscated, returned, disposed of, or handled in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

The PVO will continuously assess the ASF situation in Cebu and nearby provinces and advise the governor on whether the ban should be lifted, modified, maintained, or further extended.

The assessment will consider DA and BAI advisories, laboratory and surveillance results, epidemiological developments, and other relevant risk factors.

Executive Order No. 38 remains in effect for provisions that are not inconsistent with the new order.

EO 44 took effect immediately upon issuance and will remain effective for the balance of the 90-day period counted from the original effectivity of EO 38, unless sooner revoked, amended, or extended. (CEBU NEWS0