Ifugao Governor Jerry Dalipog signed an executive order banning the entry of live pigs, fresh and frozen pork products into the province of Ifugao to shield the province against the African swine fever (ASF).
The Cordillera region, including Kalinga and Benguet provinces, have been infected by the ASF virus.
Meanwhile, other live hogs and frozen products are also prohibited from entering the province.
Residents are encouraged to cooperate with the order and report illegal traders shipping undocumented live pigs and pork products in private vehicles to avoid checkpoints.
On February 11, eight pigs at the Lagawe slaughterhouse showed ASF symptoms and were culled immediately. Blood samples were sent to the animal disease diagnostic laboratory of the Bureau of Animal Industry for further study. (RJ Espartinez)