More local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas have enforced stricter measures to prevent the entry of African Swine Fever (ASF) in their respective areas.
Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Ongchuan has banned the entry of live hogs from any part of Mindanao, Luzon, and Leyte starting January 18, a report by Manila Bulletin said.
The move came after confirmed cases of ASF were reported in at least three municipalities in Leyte.
Through an executive order, Ongchuan ordered the total ban on the entry of live hogs, processed or cooked meat, and meat products coming from Mindanao, Luzon, Leyte, and Southern Leyte for 60 days or until March 19.
The first case was confirmed by the Department of Agriculture in Abuyog, Leyte.
“There is a need to strengthen our regulations to prevent the entry of ASF in the province and keep Northern Samar ASF-free,” Ongchuan said.
ASF is a highly contagious hemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs affecting all ages of such animals with mortality as high as 100 percent, where animals cannot be treated and the disease cannot be prevented through vaccination.
Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone has also imposed a ban on the entry of live hogs, processed or cooked meat, and meat products coming from Mindanao, Luzon, Leyte, and Southern Leyte for 60 days.
For his part, Naval, Biliran Mayor Gerard Espina has instructed the municipal agriculturist to test local swine to check if there are any contaminations.
On the other hand, Mayorga, Leyte Mayor Alexander de Paz announced a 14-day pork holiday from January 22 to February 4. (CC)
