Cebu allows entry of hogs from Negros

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines —  Hogs from Negros Island can now be transported to Cebu after the provincial government lifted the ban it earlier imposed to prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF).

Hog raisers in Negros Occidental welcomed the development, saying the removal of the ban would benefit them.

The Negros Occidental veterinary office gave assurance that it would continue implementing measures to protect hogs against ASF.

Ryan Janoya, chief of the province’s Animal Health and Meat Inspection Services, said hog raisers are now gathering documents and other requirements for the resumption of hog transport to Cebu.

With the ban lifted, hogs from Negros Island intended for transport to Samar and Leyte may now pass through the port of Cebu.

However, Janoya said that hogs from ASF-infected areas are still not allowed to enter Negros Occidental.

“We are very careful in opening our defense. As the situation improves, maybe we can loosen our restrictions, but not for now,” he said.