The Cebu provincial government has imposed a 45-day ban on the entry of pigs and pork products from the Negros Island Region following an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in Negros Occidental. Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy, head of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), announced the measure on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, to prevent the spread of the disease to Cebu's hog industry.
ASF Outbreak Confirmed in Negros
The first ASF case was reported in San Enrique, Negros Occidental, and has since spread to Bacolod City (Barangays Alijis and Taculing) and La Libertad, Negros Oriental. Vincoy confirmed that Cebu remains ASF-free but emphasized the need for strict biosecurity measures.
“This decision comes from balancing disease prevention as well as considering our economic aspect of this industry,” Vincoy said.
Executive Order Expected
An executive order formalizing the ban is expected to be signed by Governor Pamela Baricuatro in the coming days. The PVO will continue active surveillance across the province to ensure early detection and prevention of ASF.
“We will continue to do our active surveillance,” Vincoy added.
The ban aims to protect Cebu’s multi-billion-peso hog industry, which is vital to the provincial economy. Authorities urge pig farmers and traders to comply with the measure and report any suspicious cases immediately.
