World · Philippines Bureau
Pangasinan town imposes strict ban on pork, live pigs amid ASF outbreak
Bayambang has enacted an emergency order prohibiting the movement of live pigs and pork products following confirmed African Swine Fever cases across multiple barangays. The temporary restrictions aim to contain the disease and protect the local livestock industry.
LSN Philippines ·
Bayambang, a central Pangasinan municipality, has implemented a sweeping ban on the entry and exit of live pigs and fresh and frozen pork products in response to an emerging African Swine Fever crisis. The restrictions were formalized through Executive Order No. 156, signed following an emergency meeting held Thursday to address the public health threat.
The drastic measure came after isolated ASF cases were confirmed in six barangays within the town, prompting local officials to take immediate action to prevent further transmission. The disease, which is highly contagious among swine, has proven devastating to pig-farming communities across Asia in recent years.
The temporary ban covers all pork and live pig movements across municipal boundaries, effectively isolating the affected area from the broader supply chain. Local authorities have not specified a timeline for lifting the restrictions, indicating the measures will remain in place until the outbreak is fully contained and surveillance confirms the absence of new cases.
The move is expected to significantly impact local pork producers and traders while potentially creating supply shortages in surrounding areas. Agricultural officials are coordinating response efforts with provincial government units to monitor the situation and provide guidance to affected farmers.