Borongan City: The city government of Borongan in Eastern Samar province has declared a 15-day pork holiday to stop the spread of African swine fever (ASF). This decision comes after three samples collected from a pig farm owned by the Eastern Samar State University in Maypangdan village tested positive for the virus.

According to Philippines News Agency, under an executive order issued on April 4, the local government has suspended certain pork-related activities until April 18. In response to the ASF cases, checkpoints have been established at the northern and southern borders of the city to control the situation. Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda stated that except for personal consumption, the slaughtering of pigs is prohibited during this period.

Mayor Agda further clarified that the public market, supermarkets, meat stalls in various villages, meat shops, and roasted pig shops are not permitted to sell fresh pork and roasted pig. Additionally, the sale and distribution of frozen, raw, and cooked pork products like chorizo and longganisa are also restricted. However, distributors of frozen pork can operate if they provide a Certificate of Meat Inspection from the city veterinary office, confirming that the pork was sourced from ASF-free areas.

All pig farms in the city are mandated to conduct extensive disinfection procedures to prevent further contamination. The transport or movement of live pigs between villages is strictly prohibited during the pork holiday. Furthermore, meat and livestock inspectors have been instructed to intensify post-abattoir inspections with support from law enforcement agencies.

Local authorities have warned that unauthorized pork and pork products will be confiscated, and business permits of violators will be revoked. Violators will also face administrative fines as outlined in the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines.