June 29, 2026
 

ASF outbreak in the Philippines' Negros Occidental triggers movement bans across Visayas provinces

Four provincial governments have imposed restrictions on live hog and pork movements as laboratory-confirmed cases spread from San Enrique municipality, where around 500 pigs have died.

An African swine fever (ASF) outbreak confirmed in the Philippines' Negros Occidental has prompted the provincial governments of Cebu, Negros Oriental, Capiz and Guimaras to ban the entry of live pigs, pork and pork products from affected areas, as authorities seek to contain the disease before it reaches unaffected parts of the Visayas.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed ASF cases in the province, with the municipality of San Enrique the identified outbreak site. Laboratory results confirmed ASF in San Enrique, where around 500 pigs died. Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said a total of 1,213 hogs across Negros Occidental died from various illnesses between 22 May and 20 June 2026, representing 4% of the province's hog population of 29,880 head, though authorities have not yet attributed all deaths to ASF.

Capiz Governor Fredenil Castro signed Executive Order No. 21 on 24 June, prohibiting the entry of live pigs, pork, pork products and byproducts, and hog transport vehicles originating from or passing through Iloilo Province and Negros Island. Border controls will be enforced at entry points in the municipalities of Tapaz, Dumarao, Pilar and Maayon, with the National Veterinary Quarantine Services maintaining inspections at sea and air ports. Authorities are empowered to confiscate, return, or dispose of prohibited consignments at the owner's expense.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro issued a 45-day ban prohibiting livestock carriers and hog transport vehicles from Negros Occidental and other ASF-affected provinces, and ordered officials to intensify preventive measures. Negros Oriental Governor Manuel Sagarbarria reactivated the provincial ASF Task Force and ordered strict enforcement of border control and veterinary quarantine procedures, including inspection of cargo, transport vehicles and passenger baggage at all provincial entry points. Guimaras Governor Lucille Nava issued a similar order mandating stricter border control and veterinary quarantine.

- The Philippine Star, Inquirer.net