• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
While Cebu lifted its ban on the entry of hogs from Negros Island, which is a welcome development for the Negrense-based raisers and breeders, the Provincial Veterinary Office will not loosen its restrictions to ensure that Negros Occidental remains ASF (African Swine Fever) free, Dr. Ryan Janoya, PVO chief Animal Health and Meat Inspection Services, disclosed on Wednesday.
Janoya said the lifting of Cebu government on the ban of the entry of live pigs and pork-related products from other areas will further benefit hog raisers in Negros Occidental, as it opens more markets for hogs, especially lechon.
Many hog raisers in the province are now making inquiries on the guidelines and document requirements to ship hogs to Cebu, he added.
With the lifting of the ban, Janoya added that hog raisers may now pass through the ports of Cebu to send hogs to Samar and Leyte, which are additional markets for them.
He, however, said that shipments of hogs from ASF infected areas are still not allowed to enter the province. “We are very careful in opening our defense. As the situation improves, maybe we can loosen our restrictions. But not for now,” Janoya added.
Based on reports of the Bureau of Animal Industry, Negros Occidental remains ASF-free.
In 2023, ASF and hog cholera caused serious damage to the hog industry in Negros Occidental, resulting in the deaths of more than 18,000 hogs in the province, including Bacolod City.*
