Two Mountain Province Towns Impose Temporary Pork Movement Ban Over ASF

Two municipalities in Mountain Province have introduced temporary restrictions on the movement of live pigs, pork and pork products to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF). Separate orders were issued by the local governments of Barlig and Bontoc as part of strengthened disease control measures.

Barlig began enforcing the restrictions on July 13, banning the entry, transport, purchase and sale of live pigs and pork products from Natonin and other areas affected by or suspected of having ASF. The order covers live pigs, pork meat, processed pork products and pork by-products.

Bontoc also imposed an immediate ban on the purchase, entry, transport and sale of live pigs and pork products from Sagada. The local government said the measure is aimed at protecting the municipality from a possible ASF outbreak.

Authorities have directed residents, livestock farmers, traders and transporters to comply with the temporary restrictions until the orders are lifted. The measures are intended to strengthen biosecurity and safeguard the local swine industry.

African Swine Fever is a viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs. It does not infect humans or spread through properly cooked pork, but it causes high death rates in pigs and can result in major economic losses for pig farmers.