The preventive measures are outlined in Executive Order No. 36, signed by Cebu Gov. Pamela S. Baricuatro on June 26.
The order also directs the activation of ASF task forces in all component local government units, mandates enhanced farm biosecurity measures, and calls for continued disease surveillance to help keep Cebu ASF-free.
Baricuatro said the province is taking proactive steps to prevent the entry of the highly contagious swine disease, citing the need to safeguard food security and protect the livelihoods of thousands of hog raisers.
The executive order was issued in response to the reported ASF outbreak in the town of San Enrique, Negros Occidental, where about 500 hogs reportedly died from the disease.
The order also cited recent ASF surveillance conducted in Cebu's component cities and municipalities, which yielded negative laboratory results based on tests by the Department of Agriculture's Regional Animal Disease Diagnostics Laboratory and the Bureau of Animal Industry.
Border controls
To prevent the spread of ASF to Cebu, EO 36 mandates stricter inspections of livestock and pork products at seaports and other entry points facing Negros Island, particularly those with direct shipping routes from affected provinces.
The entry of live hogs, pork, and processed pork products from ASF-affected provinces is prohibited unless accompanied by complete veterinary health certificates, meat inspection certificates, negative ASF test results, and other required regulatory documents.
Cities and municipalities are also directed to conduct random inspections to deter smuggling and the illegal transport of livestock and pork products. They are likewise required to deploy sufficient personnel, particularly during nighttime and graveyard shifts, when most hog and pork shipments arrive in Cebu.
The provincial government has also imposed restrictions on pass-through vehicles and livestock carriers originating from Negros Occidental and other ASF-affected provinces for up to 45 days. The restriction may be extended or modified depending on the disease situation.
Disease surveillance
The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), in coordination with municipal and city veterinarians and agricultural offices, was directed to continue routine blood collection, laboratory testing, and farm inspections to ensure the early detection of ASF.
Hog raisers are required to regularly disinfect pens, vehicles, and equipment; limit farm access to authorized personnel; implement footbaths and require protective clothing for farm workers; prohibit swill feeding; and immediately report unusual pig deaths to the appropriate authorities.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Information Office was tasked with conducting public information campaigns encouraging consumers to buy pork only from verified sources, avoid transporting pork products from ASF-affected provinces, and report suspected cases to local veterinary offices.
Inter-agency efforts
To cushion the industry against potential disruptions, the Cebu Provincial Government will coordinate with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry to stabilize pork supply, monitor market prices, and prepare contingency measures.
The executive order also directs the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VII, the Bureau of Animal Industry-Regional Veterinary Quarantine Service VII, the Cebu Port Authority, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police, and local government units to coordinate the enforcement of surveillance, quarantine, border control, and biosecurity measures. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
Contributor
