Cebu province revives temporary ban of pork, pigs from Negros island

Local

CEBU province has revived anti-African Swine Fever (ASF) measures aimed at protecting its P12-billion hog industry.

The Cebu Provincial Government on Tuesday, July 7, announced that it will temporary set a 45-day restriction for pork and live hogs entering from Negros Island Region.

The announcement came after local governments in the neighboring island province confirmed the resurgence of hog deaths due to ASF.

“This decision comes from balancing disease prevention as well as considering our economic aspect of this industry,” said Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy, provincial veterinarian.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro is likewise expected to issue an Executive Order to formalize its implementation, she added.

In the meantime, Vincoy assured consumers and hog raisers that Cebu province remains free of the deadly contagious disease.

“We will continue to do our active surveillance,” she said.

The first confirmed case of ASF resurgence was reported in San Enrique, Negros Occidental, spreading further with cases in Bacolod City (barangays Alijis and Taculing) and La Libertad, Negros Oriental.(RBE)