Philippines' Bacolod City tightens pork movement rules amid African swine fever threat

The Bacolod City government issued an executive order directing barangay officials, hog raisers, veterinarians and transporters to report any signs of disease in pigs and to enforce strict quarantine checkpoints. Movement of live pigs, pork and related products now requires veterinary health certificates, shipping permits and meat inspection certificates, and imports from ASF‑affected areas are banned. The order reinforces biosecurity measures such as footbaths, vehicle disinfection and a 30‑day isolation period for newly acquired pigs. While Bacolod has not recorded confirmed African swine fever (ASF) cases, the city was declared ASF‑free in June 2025 after earlier control efforts.

In South Cotabato's Barangay Moloy, 85 backyard hogs died over two weeks with symptoms including fever, skin rashes and breathing difficulty. Local authorities imposed a temporary ban on the transport of live pigs and pork products, set up entry‑exit checkpoints and are collecting blood samples to determine the cause. The municipal agriculture office advised farmers to administer medication, vitamins and antibiotics while awaiting laboratory results.