The Philippines has imposed a temporary ban on imports of live pigs, pork meat, pig skin, and other related products from Taiwan following a confirmed outbreak of African Swine Fever, or ASF.
The Department of Agriculture, or DA, said the move is crucial to protect the country’s multibillion-peso hog industry from the highly contagious disease.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered the immediate suspension of all imports of live pigs and pork-derived products, including semen used for artificial insemination. The ban takes effect immediately and will remain until formally lifted.
“We must remain vigilant to prevent ASF infections, safeguard jobs and investments in the swine industry, and protect consumers’ health,” Tiu Laurel said, noting the economic risks if ASF spreads to local farms.
Taiwanese authorities reported the ASF outbreak to the World Organization for Animal Health, or WOAH, on Oct. 25, affecting domesticated pigs in Taichung City. Testing by Taiwan’s Veterinary Research Institute confirmed the infection.
The Philippines’ response follows the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code, which recommends measures to control and prevent ASF.
Under the DA directive, all previously approved import clearances for pigs and pork-related products from Taiwan are revoked, and new applications are suspended. Veterinary quarantine officers at major ports have been instructed to halt and confiscate shipments containing the restricted items.
The swift action reflects lessons from past ASF waves that caused significant losses for local hog raisers and drove up pork prices.
While ASF outbreaks remain under control in parts of the Philippines, authorities say preventing new strains from entering the country is crucial to stabilizing the industry and restoring investor confidence.
Industry groups are expected to support the ban as a safeguard for both producers and consumers, while biosecurity measures are being strengthened and regional developments closely monitored.
