Hogs from Negros Oriental that test negative for African swine fever (ASF) may be transported to other areas where the province is not under a hog ban, provided they have the required clearance, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said.
Dr. Alfonso Tundag, BAI provincial chief, told the Philippine News Agency Sept. 25 that hog suppliers may ship pigs to destinations, such as Manila and Mindanao, subject to existing veterinary and biosecurity requirements.
However, he said the movement of hogs to Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor remains prohibited because these areas have restricted the movement of hogs and pork products from Negros Oriental due to ASF cases in parts of the province.
“Negros Oriental is not yet considered ASF-free, but hogs from local government units (LGUs) may be transported if the source area has secured a Recognition of Active Surveillance on African swine fever (RAS-ASF),” Tundag said in mixed English and Cebuano.
The RAS-ASF is an official certification issued by the BAI central office, typically valid for three months, that recognizes an LGU’s regular, science-based ASF monitoring and surveillance, he said.
Requirements include proactive disease monitoring, random blood sampling, and negative ASF test results for hogs in the affected barangays, Tundag said.
He added that the certification may be secured through the Provincial Veterinary Office from the BAI central office.
Meanwhile, news reports say authorities are investigating a possible link between ASF cases in Ginatilan, Cebu, and hogs reportedly transported from Negros Oriental.
Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has ordered stricter border controls and other measures to prevent the entry of hogs, pork, and pork by-products from ASF-affected areas, including Negros Oriental.
Authorities are also investigating the possible illegal transport of hogs from Negros Island as a potential source of the ASF infection reported in some barangays in Ginatilan.
Tundag said the receiving party for the hogs will determine whether the shipment violates its hog ban. ||
