ANTIQUE – Live hogs, pork and pork by-product are now banned from entering the town of San Remigio as a precautionary measure against African Swine Fever (ASF).
Mayor Margarito C. Mission Jr. on Tuesday, June 6, issued Executive Order (EO) No. 047, Series of 2023, temporarily prohibiting the entry of swine, pork, pork-related products and by-products, boar semen, and livestock transport carrier from neighboring provinces and municipalities in San Remigio.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs whose mortality rate can reach 100 percent.
“The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian – Province of Antique reported confirmed cases of African Swine Fever in our neighboring provinces. Moreover, a number of swine mortality was reported in one of the municipalities in our province which necessitates the local government unit to take action on the prevention and control of African Swine Fever in the municipality,” read part of the EO.
It added: “To ensure that the municipality of San Remigio will remain ASF-Free, there is a need to prohibit the entry of swine, pork, pork-related products and by-products, boar semen, and livestock transport carrier and enforce strict preventive measures to ensure the safety of local swine industry.”
Mission ordered the following measures to prevent the entry of ASF:
* Temporary banning of the entry of live pigs, pork, pork-related products and by-products, processed and frozen food, and boar semen including livestock transport carriers coming from neighboring provinces and municipalities;
* Prohibit selling of pork, pork products, and by-products (processed, raw, preserved, labeled, or unlabeled) coming from other provinces and municipalities, and violating such terms specified in the EO will be punishable by imprisonment of no more than two days and/or revocation of business permits and licenses.
* Confiscation of all existing pork, pork-products and by-products circulating in the municipality with proper supporting documents will be implemented.
* Breeding services of local boars must be within the municipality and are prohibited to render services outside the municipality.
* All barangay officials are enjoined to cooperate and take necessary actions to prohibit the entry of ASF into the municipality.
The San Remigio local government, however, stressed that there is no need to panic.
“People should not panic since ASF does not pose a risk to human health, but everyone is encouraged to practice preventive measures to avoid an outbreak which may lead to economic losses,” Mission said./PN
