Daily Tribune
A MEAT vendor chops a pork belly upon order on August 18, 2024. The spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Philippines has led to panic among hog raisers, prompting some to sell infected pigs to traders, further worsening the situation. The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has intercepted several trucks carrying pigs from ASF-hit areas, and the Department of Agriculture (DA) suspects that these traders are a major source of the virus's spread. The government is set to start vaccinating pigs soon to control the outbreak, though concerns remain about the limited availability and effectiveness of vaccines. If the situation deteriorates, the government may consider importing pigs to address potential shortages. PHOTO BY YUMMIE DINGDING
Photo by Yummie Dingding for DAILY TRIBUNE
China’s move to restrict imports of pigs and related swine products from the Philippines has renewed attention on the country’s long-running battle against African Swine Fever (ASF) and other livestock diseases, although the government said the measure will not affect current trade flows.
The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) on Wednesday, 20 May said the Philippines does not export live pigs, wild boar, or related swine products to China, limiting the immediate economic impact of the restriction.
Still, the agency described the development as part of broader international efforts to strengthen animal health protection and prevent the spread of disease across borders.
The DA-BAI said authorities continue to intensify measures against African Swine Fever, which has disrupted the local hog industry since it was first detected in the country in 2019. Efforts include stricter animal movement controls, surveillance in high-risk areas, biosecurity measures, and the culling of infected animals.
The agency also clarified that Classical Swine Fever (CSF), or hog cholera, remains a managed and endemic disease in the Philippines, with vaccination and monitoring programs already in place across backyard and commercial farms.
“Both the Philippines and China share a profound commitment to biosecurity and other control measures, and are actively striving to eliminate devastating swine diseases within our respective borders to protect the global agricultural supply chain,” the DA-BAI said.
The bureau added that it remains aligned with standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as part of efforts to stabilize and eventually restore the domestic swine industry.
The DA-BAI said it will continue updating stakeholders and trading partners as disease control measures progress and recovery efforts continue in the livestock sector.
