CEBU CITY – Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has ordered a temporary ban on the entry of live hogs, sows, piglets, boar semen, pork, and pork-related products from Negros Island after African Swine Fever was detected in Carcar City, southern Cebu. Blood test conducted by the Bureau of Animal Industry Animal Disease Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory showed that hogs slaughtered in Carcar City were infected with ASF. Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy, head of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said the testing of blood samples was part of the province’s regular surveillance and monitoring. Vincoy said that the slaughtered pigs  was confirmed to have originated from Negros Island. Garcia, in an executive order issued on Monday, March 6, said the ban will take effect for 30 days or until April 5.
To help protect the P11-billion hog industry in Cebu, Garcia ordered the strict enforcement of biosecurity measures in seaports and airports. “A strict implementation of border control and veterinary quarantine measures involving cargo and passenger inspections shall be imposed at all ports of entry in Cebu,” the governor said. Transport pass issued for livestock transport vehicles  and reefer vans from the island of Negros was also revoked and cancelled “until further notice.” Garcia ordered mayors, barangay officials, the police, Philippine Coast Guard, Cebu Port Authority, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, and shipping and airline operators to strictly enforce the order.