LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan made an assurance that executive measures would be strictly implemented to control the entry of swine into the province.
This developed after positive cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) were reported by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Ilocos Region in two towns and a city in a nearby province.
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Arcely Robeniol stated that Pangasinan remains ASF-free.
Aside from border control, Dr. Robeniol said that Executive Order No. 0102 S. 2023, titled “An Order Extending the Temporary Total Ban on the Entry of Live Swine/Pigs, Pork, and Pork By-Products from All Cities and Municipalities Under Red Zone Into the Province of Pangasinan, signed by Governor Ramon V. Guico III on October 1, 2023, remains in effect to date.
“We are proactive in ASF control measures at ito nga po ‘yong paghihigpit at pagpapatupad ng ating existing executive order,” she cited.
Hence, the provincial veterinarian stated, “We have to protect and secure our province,” even as she mentioned that strict monitoring is undertaken at all animal quarantine checkpoints in Pangasinan, which are strategically located in Mabilao, San Fabian; Asan Sur in Sison; TPLEX Pozorrubio; and TPLEX Urdaneta City.
Dr. Robeniol said traders’ documents are thoroughly assessed before a certificate of acceptance is issued.
Documents to be presented for live animals include a certificate of ASF-free status; an ASF negative result; a veterinary health certificate; a veterinary shipping permit; a livestock handler’s license; and a livestock carrier license, among others.
On the other hand, a certificate of meat inspection should be presented for swine products.
(Ruby F. Rayat/Ron Edrian Bince PIMRO)
