Live pigs, pork products and pork-based items coming from Davao Region are now prohibited to enter the province of Negros Occidental after a positive case of African swine fever (ASF) has been reported in Davao Occidental.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson released Memorandum No. 20-001 mandating all city and municipal mayors of the province to implement the ban as per Provincial Ordinance No. 2019-024 otherwise known as the ASF Prevention Ordinance of Negros Occidental.
Lacson, the chairperson of the Provincial ASF Task Force, instructed both the local chief executives and the local government units (LGUs) to ensure a coordinated response and action all over the province while preventive measures are being done.
Their tasks cover strict screening and inspection of incoming shipments of live animals and pork products from Mindanao and taking control of all checkpoints to inspect the movement of live animals, pork, pork products, and other related items being shipped into the province.
“Conduct of mandatory and regular disinfection of transport carriers upon arrival at ports of entry and ensure proper disposal of food wastes from sea vessels must also be implemented,” Lacson further stated.
Negros Occidental is hailed as the number one backyard hog raiser in the country, amassing a population of about 550,000 live pigs. (RJ Espartinez)