Philippines Imposes Ban on Spanish Pork Imports After African Swine Fever Outbreak
The Philippines has suspended pork and pig imports from Spain and Taiwan following confirmed cases of African Swine Fever, in an effort to safeguard the country’s livestock sector.
The Philippine Department of Agriculture has announced a temporary ban on the importation of pigs and pork products from Spain and Taiwan after official reports confirmed new cases of African Swine Fever. The suspension includes live pigs, all pork-based products, and even boar semen used for artificial insemination.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel stated that the decision is part of a precautionary strategy to prevent the disease from spreading within the country, emphasizing the importance of protecting the livestock industry and the jobs connected to it. He added that strict preventive measures are essential to ensure national biosecurity.
The move follows a report issued by veterinary authorities in Madrid on November 28, revealing new infections among wild boars in Barcelona. As a result, all existing import permits from both Spain and Taiwan were immediately revoked.
The Philippines will only allow the entry of Spanish frozen pork produced on or before November 11 and shipped on or before December 4. Any products processed or shipped after those dates are strictly prohibited. Although African Swine Fever poses no risk to humans, it spreads rapidly among domestic and wild pigs, prompting several countries to take similar actions against Spanish exports in recent weeks.
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