April 29, 2024

Negros Oriental, Philippines, holds off on pork ban from Bohol province

The provincial government of Negros Oriental, Philippines, has refrained from implementing a ban on live swine and pork by-products originating from Bohol province, Philippine News Agency reported.

Jaymar Vilos, designated information officer of the Provincial Veterinary Office, informed the Philippine News Agency that they are awaiting an official declaration from the Bureau of Animal Quarantine (BAI) confirming African swine fever (ASF) cases in certain areas of Bohol before considering a ban.

This decision comes despite media reports citing Bohol officials stating that 60 swine in three barangays in Dauis have tested positive for ASF.

Vilos said that no live swine shipments from Bohol have entered Negros Oriental this year. Although a private entity attempted to secure a permit to transport swine from Bohol in March, they withdrew their application due to the province's stringent requirements.

Live swine destined for Negros Oriental must undergo blood sampling with ASF-negative test results within seven days before shipment, Vilos said.

The province maintains strict implementation of these requirements to ensure the safety of efforts to replenish the swine population, which was devastated by ASF last year.

Currently, Negros Oriental continues to grapple with a shortage of swine, resulting in elevated pork prices in the market. ASF severely impacted the local swine industry last year, leading to a significant drop in the swine population.

Vilos estimated that it would take three to six months to raise swine suitable for public sale, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the province in recovering from the ASF outbreak.

-      Philippine News Agency