TACLOBAN CITY –– The city of Borongan in Eastern Samar will prohibit the entry of live swine and other swine products coming from Luzon and Mindanao for 60 days starting August 27.
In an executive order, Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda said they want to ensure that the city would remain free from the African swine fever (ASF) that has affected pigs from various parts of Luzon and Mindanao.
“Whereas, ASF is spread by movement of infected material. In view of the increasing swine mortality in Luzon and Mindanao, implementing precautionary measures to ensure food safety and food security is necessary to contain the disease,” he said.
The 60-day ban covers all live swine and other swine products in “whatever form or quantity; all meat and meat by-products and processed meat from Luzon and Mindanao.”
Once the prohibition is lifted, shippers must present documents to prove their meats are safe.
This includes a certificate from the Veterinary office; shipping permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI); certificate of free status on ASF of the farm; and certificate of BAI farm accreditation of farm source, transport carrier registration, livestock handlers license, among others.