Catanduanes closes borders to pork products as ASF spreads

The provincial government of Catanduanes has barred the entry of live pigs and pork products to contain the spread of African swine fever, which has been detected in three areas of mainland Camarines Sur. Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza signed Executive Order No. 59 on Wednesday, implementing the temporary prohibition against live pigs, fresh or frozen pork, and related meat products entering the province.

The move reflects growing concern across the Philippines about ASF transmission between provinces, particularly as the disease continues to circulate in key livestock-producing regions. Catanduanes, an island province in the Bicol Region, depends partly on imported pork products for domestic consumption and has sought to prevent the virus from reaching its farming communities.

The executive order marks the latest in a series of regional containment measures adopted by local governments struggling to manage the ASF outbreak. Provincial and local officials have coordinated with national veterinary authorities to establish checkpoints and strengthen enforcement of existing quarantine protocols.

No information has been released regarding the duration of the import ban or conditions under which it may be lifted. Agricultural officials are expected to monitor the situation in Camarines Sur closely and coordinate with Catanduanes authorities on disease surveillance activities.