The Cebu City Government has directed the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) to intensify African Swine Fever (ASF) prevention, surveillance, and monitoring efforts following a confirmed outbreak in Negros Occidental. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro issued Executive Order 36 on June 26, imposing stricter controls including a 45-day restriction on livestock vehicles passing through affected areas, enhanced port inspections, and tighter monitoring of live hog and pork product movements. The province has also ramped up farm biosecurity measures to protect its estimated P20-billion hog industry and maintain its zero active ASF case status.
Mayor's directive and key measures
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival announced during a press conference on Monday, June 29, that the DVMF has received the directive and will implement five key preventive measures. These include enhancing surveillance and monitoring in both backyard and commercial swine farms to promptly detect any signs of ASF infections. The city will also tighten biosecurity assessments and conduct sustained information and education campaigns to ensure hog raisers, farm workers, and other stakeholders comply with disease prevention protocols.
Archival ordered the Department of Agriculture, barangay officials, food authorities, and other concerned agencies to coordinate closely with the Provincial Veterinarian Office. Their task is to monitor, regulate, and enforce controls on the movement of livestock, including pigs, pork products, and poultry, along with other agricultural commodities entering Cebu City.
Inspections and reporting requirements
The directive calls for regular inspections of slaughterhouses, public markets, meat establishments, and other facilities handling and selling pork and other meat products to ensure compliance with veterinary, sanitary, and food safety regulations. Authorities are also instructed to investigate and report any suspected ASF cases and implement appropriate containment, control, and response measures in line with national and local protocols. The DVMF must submit regular reports and recommendations to the Office of the City Mayor regarding the city’s ASF preparedness and response efforts.
Archival emphasized that the DVMF must treat the directive with utmost urgency and ensure strict implementation of all necessary measures to prevent the entry and spread of ASF in Cebu City.
