Manila, December 8: The Philippines has imposed a temporary ban on the import of pork from Spain following reports of African Swine Fever (ASF) cases in the country. The announcement was made by the Philippines Department of Agriculture.
Agriculture Minister Francisco Tiu Laurel stated that the ban is short-term and assured that there will be no shortage or price increase of pork during the Christmas season. He confirmed that the country’s cold storage facilities are already well-stocked to meet the higher demand during the festivals.
Spanish veterinary authorities reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health on November 28 that ASF was detected in wild boars in the Sabadell area of Barcelona. In response, the Philippines took the precautionary step to prevent the disease from spreading domestically and to protect both domestic and wild pigs.
Minister Laurel added that all sanitary and phytosanitary permits for shipments of live pigs, pork meat, hides, and semen used for artificial insemination from Spain have been automatically cancelled. This measure aims to safeguard food safety and public health.
Only frozen pork products produced on or before November 11 and loaded at the port on or before December 4, currently in transit or accepted, will be allowed entry into the Philippines. Shipments produced after November 11 will be returned to Spain, according to Xinhua News Agency.
African Swine Fever is a highly contagious disease that can cause up to 100 percent mortality in both domestic and wild pigs. While it does not affect humans, it poses a serious threat to pig populations and the livestock economy.
The virus can survive in the environment for a long time and can spread through contaminated clothing, footwear, vehicle wheels, and other objects. It can also remain active in various pork products such as ham, sausages, and bacon, making strict precautions essential.
In many countries, pig farming is a primary source of income for families. The spread of ASF severely affects small farmers and jeopardises their livelihoods. Globally, pork is a major source of animal protein, accounting for about 35 percent of total meat consumption.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.