Pangasinan’s Temporary Ban on Swine and Pork Products

Pangasinan, Philippines – Governor Ramon Guico III has issued a one-month temporary total ban on the entry of live swine, pork, and pork by-products from red/infected zone municipalities into the province, as per Executive Order No. 0004, Series of 2023. The ban is an extension of the previous Executive Order No. 0195-2022, which was in effect from October 26, 2022 to December 31, 2022.

The ban is in line with a memorandum from the Bureau of Animal Industry dated January 12, 2023, which categorized areas in the Philippines under different zoning status in relation to the implementation of the National Zoning and Movement Plan for African Swine Fever (ASF). Despite the absence of reported ASF cases in Pangasinan, the temporary ban aims to protect the province’s swine industry and general public from the potential ill effects of ASF.

The ban applies to all red/infected zone municipalities, but swine and its by-products from other zones may be allowed into the province with the presentation of updated documents, such as a Veterinary Health Certificate, Veterinary Shipping Permit, Animal Registration Certificate, Transport Carrier Registration Certificate, and Handlers’ License Certificate of Registration.

Requirements must also be followed for the entry of live pigs for breeding, semen, fresh pork meat, frozen pork products, and uncooked processed food products. The Provincial Veterinary Office will issue a Certificate of Acceptance upon presentation of all valid documents.

The enforcement of the restrictions at border checkpoints will be handled by the Provincial Veterinarian Quarantine Officer and the local Philippine National Police.

In conclusion, the temporary ban serves as a precautionary measure to safeguard the swine industry and general public from the potential harm of ASF in Pangasinan.