Cebu bans hogs, pork products from ASF-hit areas

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — The Cebu provincial government 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.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 39 on Tuesday, July 7, 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.

READ: Cebu tightens borders, activates ASF task forces to protect P20B hog industry

The latest directive came as neighboring provinces continued to report ASF cases, prompting Cebu to strengthen disease prevention efforts before any local infection would be detected.

“The Provincial Government recognizes the urgent need to adopt proactive measures to protect Cebu’s hog industry, ensure food security, and safeguard the livelihood of hog raisers,” the order read.

Biosecurity, border enforcement

Executive Order No. 39 also required stricter biosecurity practices for hog raisers and other stakeholders involved in the swine industry.

Farm owners must restrict entry to essential personnel, who should undergo proper disinfection before accessing facilities.

Vehicles, farm equipment, and footwear used in daily operations must also be disinfected regularly to reduce the risk of contamination.

The order further directed stakeholders to comply with animal movement regulations and refrain from transporting hogs and pork products without proper authorization.

READ: Negros Occidental LGUs intensify biosecurity measures to ward off ASF

Authorities have likewise been instructed to strictly enforce the ban at all seaports, airports, and land entry points across Cebu.

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.

ASF task forces remain on alert

The latest order complemented Executive Order No. 36, which directed all component local government units to activate their respective ASF Task Forces and strengthen border control measures.

Under the earlier directive, local task forces must sustain disease surveillance and ensure a rapid response if suspected ASF cases are detected.

The PVO, together with municipal and city veterinarians and agriculture officers, will continue blood collection, laboratory testing, and farm inspections throughout the province.

READ: Negros Oriental bans hogs, pork products from ASF-hit areas

Local government units have also been instructed to conduct random inspections to curb the illegal transport and smuggling of livestock and pork products.

The order specifically required enough inspection personnel during night and graveyard shifts, when most hog and pork shipments arrive in Cebu.

Neighboring outbreaks prompt vigilance

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.

Despite the outbreaks in nearby areas, Provincial Veterinarian Mary Rose Vincoy said Cebu remained free from ASF as of this report.

READ: Over 500 pigs dead as new ASF outbreak reported in Negros Occidental

“No reports yet [of observed symptoms] from the ground. But we will continue to do our active surveillance,” Vincoy said during a press briefing on July 7.

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