Negros Occidental permanently bans pigs, pork from ASF-hit areas

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Pigs, pork and related products from Luzon and countries affected by African swine fever (ASF) are permanently banned in Negros Occidental.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved an ordinance on Tuesday imposing the ban to keep the province free from ASF.

The existing 90-day ban on pork and related products ASF-affected areas will end on Dec. 18.

The provincial board also passed a resolution declaring Negros Occidental as ASF-free.

The ban covers pigs, boar semen, pork and related products, but not limited to canned goods and food which contain pork whether cooked or uncooked, originating from, manufactured and processed in Luzon as well as in areas declared by the Department of Agriculture and World Health Organization for Animal Health to be affected by ASF.

Provincial veterinarian Renante Decena stressed the need to protect the swine industry in Negros Occidental, the country’s top producer of backyard swine.

Meanwhile, the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) is set to file charges against the government for alleged failure to test imported processed meat for ASF.

At the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, SINAG president Rosendo So cited instances when packaging of imported processed meat were replaced or covered. He said the practice compromises efforts to prevent ASF from spreading in animal farms.