Importation of live pigs, pork banned in Capiz

By: Felipe Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz– The provincial government has temporarily banned the importation of pigs, pork, and other pork-related products to prevent the entry of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Capiz.

Executive Order (EO) No. 014-2019 issued by Capiz Governor Esteban Evan Contreras banned the importation of meat products from Luzon and other ASF affected countries.

It also warned businessmen to avoid importation of processed and frozen meat from countries with confirmed cases of ASF.

Earlier, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory to the public to avoid buying processed meat products from ASF-affected countries.

Last week, Contreras asked hotels, restaurants, resorts owners and other stakeholders in the province to patronize local pork and other processed meat products amid the ASF outbreak.

Contreras said buying local pork products is one way to prevent the entry of ASF in the province.

The only meat products that the public can buy are those covered by the Veterinary Health Certificate, Meat Inspection Certificate from the National Meat Inspection Service, and Shipping Transport Permit.

The ASF virus was first detected in Rizal and Bulacan where several hogs died.

Contreras also advised the stakeholders to dispose their food and kitchen wastes properly to avoid being eaten by pigs.

The governor asked the help of the public to monitor the illegal distribution of meats and other pork products and to report to the proper authorities.