Cebu has imposed a 45-day ban on the entry of live hogs, fresh pork, and processed pork products from Negros Island and other African Swine Fever (ASF)-affected areas to keep the province free from the animal disease.

The ban was signed by Governor Pamela Baricuatro through Executive Order No. 39, directing the temporary restriction as a preventive measure against the spread of ASF into Cebu.

The order stated that the ban might be extended, shortened, or modified depending on the outbreak situation and succeeding advisories from the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Animal Industry.

Cebu intensified its preventive measures following the resurgence of ASF in Negros Occidental. More than 500 pigs died in San Enrique town after laboratory tests confirmed an ASF outbreak on June 22, according to an Inquirer.net report published on June 24.

Authorities have also confirmed ASF cases in Bacolod City and La Libertad town in Negros Oriental as of early July.

Strict biosecurity practices for hog raisers and other stakeholders involved in the swine industry were required under Executive Order No. 39. Farm owners must restrict entry to essential personnel, who should undergo proper disinfection before accessing facilities.

The Cebu Port Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, and concerned local government units will inspect incoming shipments and confiscate prohibited products, while penalties will be imposed under existing laws.

Component local government units and the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), working with municipal and city veterinarians, have also been directed to continue routine surveillance, laboratory testing, and monitoring for the early detection of ASF.

Governor Baricuatro recognized the urgent need to adopt proactive measures to protect Cebu's hog industry, ensure food security, and safeguard the livelihood of hog raisers.

Cebu remained free from ASF as of this report, with Provincial Veterinarian Mary Rose Vincoy stating, ">No reports yet [of observed symptoms] from the ground. But we will continue to do our active surveillance,

during a press briefing on July 7.

Key Facts

  • The 45-day ban on the entry of live hogs, fresh pork, and processed pork products from Negros Island and other ASF-affected areas was signed by Governor Pamela Baricuatro on July 7.
  • More than 500 pigs died in San Enrique town after laboratory tests confirmed an ASF outbreak on June 22.
  • ASF cases have also been confirmed in Bacolod City and La Libertad town in Negros Oriental as of early July.
  • Strict biosecurity practices for hog raisers and other stakeholders involved in the swine industry were required under Executive Order No. 39.
  • Cebu intensified its preventive measures following the resurgence of ASF in Negros Occidental.
  • The Cebu Port Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, and concerned local government units will inspect incoming shipments and confiscate prohibited products, while penalties will be imposed under existing laws.