The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) in Negros Oriental has allowed local government units (LGUs) cleared of African swine fever (ASF) to resume selling live hogs and pork, subject to veterinary requirements, an official said Friday, August 28.
Acting PVO Chief Vernon Lumbania said Valencia town has been cleared to sell live pigs and pork outside its boundaries following an inspection and the absence of new ASF cases recently.
“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.
However, he said hogs must still pass through an accredited slaughterhouse, where blood samples will be collected for ASF testing.
Hog raisers must also secure certification from the PVO or other authorized veterinary authorities confirming that their animals are free from ASF before they can be transported to slaughterhouses.
Lumbania said the PVO is also inspecting other LGUs that have not reported recent ASF cases to determine whether they can likewise resume hog and pork trading.
He clarified, however, that LGUs cleared to resume selling hogs and pork may only transport and sell their products within Negros Oriental.
Interprovincial movement and trading of live hogs and pork will remain prohibited until the entire province is declared ASF-free, he said.
The PVO is currently consolidating data on ASF cases and the disease situation in the province for its weekly report issued every Friday, Lumbania added. *PNA
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