DA allows movement of hogs in red zones

CEBU, Philippines — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has allowed the movement of hogs in red or infected zones in an effort to prevent shortage in the supply of pork amid the expected increase in the demand during the holidays as the government continues to address the outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF).

Laurel issued Administrative Circular (AC) No. 6, amending AC No. 02 issued in 2022 where the DA prohibited the movement of live pigs within the one-kilometer radius from the infected premises up to the administrative boundary of the city or municipality classified as red zones.

“In areas identified as red ( infected) zones, it is imperative to identify, select and safeguard the healthy population of pigs from potential infection and subsequent mandatory  depopulation to minimize economic losses,” read part of Laurel’s administrative order.

Laurel approved the petition from the regional agricultural and fishery council of Region 4-A and the provincial veterinarians of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon seeking to allow the movement of healthy animals from the identified infected zones.

“Epidemiological knowledge, clinical manifestation as well as available diagnostic tools can confidently identify healthy animals within the red (infected) zones. There is a need to utilize the products derived from these healthy animals, thereby averting further waste and addressing the low supply of pork in the market,” Laurel added.

Under the new circular, the movement of pigs outside the 500-meter up to one- kilometer radius from where the ASF infection was detected may be permitted within the city or municipality, provided that the hogs are proven to be healthy based on negative ASF test results.

“Live pigs from areas outside the one-kilometer radius but still within the red (infected) zone may be transported for slaughter across all zones, subject to compliance with the requirements set forth in this circular,” Laurel said.

According to Laurel, the movement of live pigs from other zones may be permitted across all zones, upon compliance with the documentary requirements.

“The pigs must be transported directly from the origin to the specified destination. Loading and unloading of pigs during transit is strictly prohibited. All must be slaughtered within 24 hours of arrival at the abattoir/ slaughterhouse,” it added.

Any violation of the circular by the shipper will result in the immediate suspension of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Handlers License and Transport Carrier Registration, and may lead to the issuance of a show cause order or criminal prosecution.

On Aug. 30, the DA started the vaccination of pigs against ASF in Lobo, Batangas in an effort to protect the hog industry.

At least 10,000 doses of ASF vaccine were initially allocated for the vaccination program.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa said that at least 150,000 doses of ASF vaccine are expected to arrive this week.

Aside from Batangas, the DA also targets to prioritize the vaccination of hogs in Rizal, Quezon, Laguna, North Cotabato and Mindoro amid the spread of ASF in the said provinces.

De Mesa said that all the areas under the red or infected zone will be covered by the controlled vaccination. At least P350 million was allocated for the purchase of 600,000 doses of the ASF vaccine. (CEBU NEWS)