April 27, 2023

Philippines faces possible pork shortage in June due to ASF

Ruth Miclat-Sonaco, the Philippines' Department of Agriculture's National Livestock Program director, said the spread of African swine fever (ASF) in the country could result in a possible pork shortage in June, Business Mirror reported.

She said there is a possible pork shortage of 46,104 metric tonnes in June, while pork demand in the country is at 145,849 metric tonnes. The pork shortage may last 39 days.

There are 137 ASF-affected barangays in 54 municipalities, 21 provinces, and 11 regions in the Philippines as of March 2023.

Tariff reductions on imported pork into the country have been extended until December 31, 2023.

Local governments are required to strictly adhere to the National Zoning implementation and movement plan, depending on the level of ASF risk. In Mindanao, the Zamboanga government intends to distribute sentinel pigs to ASF-affected barangays in order to confirm the presence of the disease.

Pangasinan province in Luzon has extended the total ban on the importation of live swine, pork, and pork by-products from ASF-affected areas until June 30, 2023.

The director was speaking at the Cargill Animal Nutrition Summit, which brought together global and local animal nutrition experts, swine farmers, and industry partners to discuss the market outlook, perspectives, and most promising opportunities in the swine business, particularly in the Philippine market.

-      Business Mirror