Davao mayor bans pigs, pork products

Mayor Sara Duterte yesterday ordered, through an executive order, the entry of all live pigs and pork products in the city to ensure that it remains free from the African  Swine Fever (ASF).

The order came amidst the continued spread of ASF in many countries causing massive economic losses and social dislocation.

“The temporary ban applies to all live pigs, pork and pork-related products and by-products, whether fresh, frozen, processed or cooked, including but not limited to frozen boar semen, from the entire island of Luzon and the other ASF-affected areas,” the mayor said.

The order also included the prohibition of feeding of raw swill or food wastes, also known as “lamaw” in the dialect, to pigs in Davao City.

The Department of Agriculture Crisis Management Task Force on Swine has already officially declared the presence of ASF in the country early this month.

“There is a possibility that the African Swine Fever may reach the city in such proportions that would affect the food safety and food security of the city,” Sara said, There is a need to protect the city’s hog industry from the potential threat of ASF and from any possible economic loss, she added.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) already warned all food business operators against importation, distribution and sale of the banned products from affected countries about the ASF as early as May this year.

Sara urged the swine industry stakeholders to be vigilant in their areas of responsibilities. 

“All are hereby alerted and directed to prepare protective measures to prevent the spread of the swine disease into our city,” she said.

Among the measures recommended by the EO are the following:

-strict biosecurity and good animal husbandry practices in the farms for swine raisers; 

-prohibition on the feeding of raw swill/food wastes ("Lamaw") to pigs;

-use of commercially available feeds or self formulated feeds using conventional or non-conventional feed ingredients sourced from areas that are not affected with ASF;

-reporting of any suspicious incidence of mortality in pigs to the City Veterinarian's Office. 

-warning to hotel and restaurant operators and other food establishments and food wastes collectors on the proper disposal of table left-overs or food wastes/swill;

-non-distribution of food wastes to hog raisers; 

-for livestock dealers, ensure that all animals for transport and slaughter are accompanied by necessary documents such as Veterinary Health Certificate or Animal inspection Certificate and Shipping Permits; and

-meat vendors/suppliers and meat processors are also strictly discouraged from selling meat and processed meat that are clandestinely or illegally slaughtered, undocumented or sourced from illegal markets. (with reports from the City Information Office)