The Local Government of Hinatuan has issued a temporary entry ban on live pigs and pork products from Luzon from entering the municipality. The move is to protect local swine population from the African Swine Fever (ASF).

Mayor Shem G. Garay in a meeting with hog raisers and stakeholders in the municipality to adopt stringent measures in preventing the incursion of the ASF in the municipality and protecting the hog raisers and the swine industry

Executive Order 08 Series of 2020 enforces a temporary ban on all live pigs, pork and pork-related products and by-products whether fresh, frozen, processed or cooked from Luzon and other ASF affected areas.

Tackling immediate concerns, that include, among others, temporary entry ban on live pigs and pork products from Luzon and other ASF affected areas and immediate implementation of EO 08 Series of 2020

The ban, which took effect last Tuesday, February 11, aims to prevent the spread of the swine disease and further protect the local hog industry.

Dr. Coneda T. Galela, Agriculturist II of Surigao del Sur Provincial Veterinary Office (PVet) emphasized that locally raised hogs are #SAFE and encouraged the participants to purchase only those raised locally or by local farmers and local meat industry.

Likewise, the order also prohibits backyard hog raisers from practicing swill feeding (lamaw) to prevent further spread of the deadly pig virus as food leftovers may contain contaminated pork meat.

“The Local Government of Hinatuan will be adopting stringent measures to prevent the invasion of the ASF in the municipality and to protect the hog raisers and the swine industry,” Mayor Garay said during the Coordination Meeting attended by concerned government offices, Barangay Captains and private individuals engaging in hog-related business.

As Municipal Agriculturist, Mrs. Severina C. Pore said, “we have to be informed so we could share the vital information necessary to save our hog industry and maintain food safety. We (at DA) are comfortable that we are not alone in this cause, “ she added.

The local government also urges the hog raisers, whether in small or commercial scale, to be vigilant and immediately report sick pigs or incidence of pig mortality to the Municipal Agriculture Office.

Municipal Administrator Milly U. Vios initially presides over the coordination meeting to address the pressing concerns on African Swine Fever outbreak.