Ban on entry of live hogs, pork products from Negros Island to Cebu extended
CEBU CITY–The ban on the entry of live hogs and pork products from Negros Island into Cebu will last for a few more months
Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro issued an Executive Order (EO) extending the ban for another 45 more days as part of an intensified effort to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the province.
With the issuance of the EO No. 40, the restriction period has been stretched to a total of 90 days.
The first EO for the same measure was issued last July.
"African Swine Fever remains a serious threat to the swine industry, hog raisers, the pork supply chain, and food security in the province. The continued occurrence and threat of ASF in Negros Island and other affected provinces and areas necessitate the maintenance of precautionary measures to prevent the introduction and spread of ASF within Cebu," read portions of the Eo.
Cebu is home to a P12-billion swine industry.
As part of the measure to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease, the province enforced cross-border restrictions for pork products and live hogs.
The move came after confirmed cases of of ASF were recorded in Negros Island Region.
Baricuatro’s new Eo came after more new cases have been reported in other nearby provinces including Leyte.
With the ban, live domestic and wild pigs; fresh, chilled or frozen pork; processed pork products and pork-derived products; and other wine products, by-products, and other pork-derived products from Negros Island and other ASF-affected provinces or areas will not be allowed to enter Cebu.
"The PVO will continue to assess the ASF situation in Cebu and nearby provinces and advise the governor on whether the prohibition should be lifted, modified, maintained or further extended," the EO read.