Cebu eyes green zone classification, intensifies ASF monitoring

Local

CEBU Province has stepped up its monitoring of African Swine Fever (ASF) as the provincial government aims to secure a green zone classification that would allow the safe transport of hogs and pork products beyond the province.

The Cebu Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) has begun collecting blood and tissue specimens from farms across Cebu as part of an expanded disease surveillance program.

The samples are required under the national zoning system to provide scientific data supporting Cebu’s green zone application.

Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy said the initiative is designed to help obtain certification that would permit the movement of hogs and pork products.

She added that the provincial government, under Governor Pamela Baricuatro, seeks to help hog raisers and traders regain access to wider markets following the restrictions caused by ASF outbreaks.

Authorities have also strengthened rules on the transport of live hogs, pork, and related products within and outside Cebu to prevent further spread of the virus.

ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, often causing high mortality, though it does not affect humans.

The disease was first detected in Cebu in 2023, prompting strict quarantine measures and movement restrictions that disrupted local hog production and trade.

Under the Department of Agriculture’s National ASF Zoning and Movement Plan, areas are classified based on risk levels.

Red zones have active cases and face strict quarantine and culling.

Pink zones serve as buffers with past infections but no current cases.

Yellow zones are high-risk surveillance areas, while green and dark green zones indicate no reported cases or officially declared ASF-free areas.

Within Cebu, pork products can still be transported, but shipments over 10 kilograms require documentation as they are considered commercial.

Traders moving products to other islands must present official receipts and obtain shipping permits from the Bureau of Animal Industry through its Regional Veterinary Quarantine Services.

Animal health certificates from the PVO and attending veterinarians are also required to ensure hogs are healthy and fit for transport.

Late last year, the Department of Agriculture in the Philippines has adopted new pork import regulations that introduce regionalisation while strengthening safeguards against the further spread of ASF.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. issued the rules through a circular to reinforce the country’s defenses against ASF and ensure the safe importation of pigs and pork products.

The guidelines allow the recognition of ASF-free zones within accredited exporting countries, in line with standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health.

The policy will be reviewed after two years to assess its effectiveness.(MyTVCebu)