Transport of hogs from ASF-affected areas allowed

September 2, 2024 | 12:00am

To prevent pork supply shortage

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allowed the transport of healthy hogs from areas affected by African swine fever (ASF), to prevent shortage in the supply of pork and pork products during the holiday season.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Administrative Circular 6, amending AC 2 issued in 2022, which prohibited the transport of live pigs within the one-kilometer radius from infected areas up to the boundary of a city or municipality classified as red zones.

“In areas identified as red zones, it is imperative to identify, select and safeguard the healthy population of pigs from potential infection and subsequent mandatory depopulation to minimize economic losses,” Tiu Laurel said in AC 6.

He approved a petition submitted by the regional agricultural and fishery council as well as by provincial veterinarians in Calabarzon.

The group asked the DA to allow the transport of healthy hogs from identified infected areas to slaughterhouses.

“Epidemiological knowledge, clinical manifestation as well as available diagnostic tools can confidently identify healthy animals within the red zones. There is a need to utilize products derived from these healthy animals to avert further waste and address the low supply of pork in the market,” Tiu Laurel said.

Under the approved circular, transport of pigs outside the 500-meter to one-kilometer radius from an area where the virus was detected may be permitted within the city or municipality, provided the hogs were proven healthy or tested negative for ASF.

Tiu Laurel said that transport of live pigs from other zones may be permitted across all areas upon compliance with all documentary requirements and conditions.

“The pigs must be transported directly from the point of origin to the specified destination. Loading and unloading of pigs during transit is strictly prohibited. All (hogs) must be slaughtered within 24 hours upon  arrival at the slaughterhouse,” he said.

Any violation will result in the suspension of the license to transport issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry as well as issuance of a show-cause order or criminal prosecution, the DA said.