Bontoc bans entry of hogs, pork products

BAGUIO CITY , Philippines — The local government of Bontoc in Mountain Province has temporarily banned the entry of hogs and pork products coming from lowland areas, particularly in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur due to African swine fever (ASF).

Bontoc Mayor Jerome Tudlong Jr. advised his constituents to be vigilant as ASF cases have been detected in several backyard farms in Cervantes and are said to be spreading quickly.

“To prevent the spread of this disease and help protect the livelihood of our swine raisers, entry of live swine or pigs, pork, processed pork products and by-products from Cervantes is temporarily suspended,” the mayor said in an advisory.

ASF cases were detected last month in a barangay in Cervantes, prompting neighboring towns to enforce measures protecting their local hog industry.

The provincial government of Benguet also temporarily banned the entry of hogs and pork products from Cervantes.