Cebu allows entry of live hogs for lechon production under new ASF rules

Local

GOOD news for lechoneros as well as for lechon-lovers in Cebu.

The Cebu Provincial Government has slightly eased its African Swine Fever (ASF) prevention measures and now allows the shipment of live hogs intended for lechon production, subject to biosecurity protocols.

Under Executive Order (EO) No. 55, issued by Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, pigs brought into the province for lechon preparation may now be allowed entry, provided they meet government veterinary and quarantine requirements.

The new EO was signed on Monday, October 26, and copies were published on Tuesday, October 27.

The latest measure gives lechon producers an option to source live hogs from outside Cebu while maintaining safeguards against the spread of ASF.

The order specifies that the animals must be brought directly to designated slaughterhouses for immediate processing. They cannot be kept for breeding purposes or sold to other buyers.

"These hogs must not be kept for breeding or resale, but must go straight to the slaughterhouse as declared in their documents," the EO stated.

The provincial government, however, stressed that the policy does not lift the broader restrictions on the entry of live hogs, pork and processed pork products. All incoming shipments remain subject to inspection and compliance with veterinary health and biosecurity standards.

Shipments must enter through designated ports staffed by veterinary quarantine personnel, who will check the animals or products and examine the accompanying documents before authorizing their entry.

Among the required documents are shipping permits issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), veterinary health certificates, laboratory results confirming negative ASF results through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing, and meat inspection certificates.

Transport vehicles must also carry valid disinfection certificates.

For live hog shipments, the documents must identify the intended slaughterhouse, which must be licensed and accredited by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).

The EO warned that shipments could be confiscated, forfeited or returned to their origin if they lack the necessary documents, fail to identify an NMIS-accredited slaughterhouse or arrive through ports outside the designated quarantine system.

Baricuatro initially imposed a province-wide ban on imported live hogs and pork products in July following the resurgence of ASF cases in neighboring areas. The initial 45-day restriction was extended for another 45 days as infections spread to additional provinces.

Despite the preventive measures, ASF cases were subsequently detected in parts of Cebu, including Cebu City and Ginatilan in southern Cebu. Authorities said these infections had been contained.

The provincial government has directed local government units (LGUs) to sustain disease surveillance, laboratory testing and monitoring of animal movements to help identify potential infections before they spread.

"The Province of Cebu will proactively protect its hog industry and maintain food security by strengthening biosecurity measures and strictly regulating the entry of live hogs, pork, and pork products," the EO stated.(RBE)