• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Iloilo Provincial Government has suspended the acceptance of hog shipments, including those coming from Negros Occidental, as it continues to investigate suspected cases of African swine fever (ASF).
Dr. Ryan Janoya, officer-in-charge of Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), said Iloilo stopped issuing acceptance permits for hog shipments starting last week, pending the outcome of its ASF investigation.
Janoya added that Iloilo is also ensuring that all hogs allowed into the province undergo inspection and are transported only to accredited stockyards.
While Negros Occidental has already complied with Iloilo’s requirements, particularly having no active ASF cases for at least 40 days, Janoya said the temporary suspension is part of Iloilo’s efforts to strengthen its biosecurity measures amid the suspected ASF cases.
The Negros Occidental PVO has not monitored any active ASF cases and that the province currently has sufficient hog supply.
However, supply exceeds local demand, prompting the PVO to hope that the Iloilo market will reopen soon to allow the movement of hogs from Negros Occidental.
Cebu also banned the entry of hogs and pork-related products from Negros Island due to ASF cases. | GPB
