The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued a temporary ban on the importation of pork, live pigs, and all pork-related products from Taiwan after the confirmation of an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Taichung City.

According to RH Val Gonzales' report on dzRH's Rapido Hataw Balita, the ban was imposed after the Veterinary Research Institute of Taiwan reported the outbreak to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), confirming infections among farmed pigs.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that the measure is crucial for safeguarding the country’s multibillion-peso swine industry against the highly contagious disease.

“We have to be vigilant in preventing further ASF infections to protect jobs and investments in the swine industry and ensure food security and consumers’ health,” Tiu Laurel said.

The temporary moratorium covers live pigs, fresh and frozen pork, processed pork products, and even porcine semen used for artificial insemination.

Under the DA’s directive, all previously approved Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances (SPSICs) for pork and pork-related products from Taiwan are automatically revoked.

Moreover, veterinary quarantine officers at all major ports have also been instructed to intercept and confiscate any prohibited shipments.