Photo courtesy of PNA
Hog and pork trading is gradually resuming in parts of Negros Oriental as veterinary authorities begin clearing areas that have gone weeks without new African swine fever cases.
The Provincial Veterinary Office said local governments that pass inspections and meet veterinary requirements may again allow farmers to sell live pigs and pork within the province.
Valencia is among the areas cleared after authorities found no recent ASF infections during an assessment, Acting Provincial Veterinary Officer Vernon Lumbania said.
“No new ASF cases have been reported in Valencia over the past weeks, and we are now allowing hog farmers to resume their businesses,” Lumbania said.
The easing does not remove existing safeguards. Hogs intended for sale must pass through an accredited slaughterhouse, where blood samples will be collected and tested for ASF.
Farmers must also obtain certification from the PVO or another authorized veterinary office confirming their animals are free of the disease before transporting them for slaughter.
Other municipalities and cities with no recently reported infections are undergoing inspections to determine whether restrictions on their hog and pork trade can also be lifted.
Movement remains limited to Negros Oriental, with shipments of live hogs and pork to other provinces still prohibited until the entire province is declared ASF-free.