ASF-infected hog shipment intercepted, BAI continues to intensify nationwide checkpoints

A shipment of 70 hogs was intercepted on September 26, 2024 at a checkpoint along Mindanao Avenue. The shipment was found with pigs showing clear clinical signs of African Swine Fever (ASF), including mortality, prompting immediate confiscation. Test results came back positive for ASF and the shipment is scheduled to be condemned today (September 27, 2024.)

This confiscation highlights the Bureau of Animal Industry’s (BAI) ongoing effort to prevent the spread of ASF and protect the country’s swine industry.

Since the establishment of these checkpoints in August 2024, BAI and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have intercepted nearly 500 ASF-infected pigs across the country. Authorities have also flagged and seized meat products found with forged Certificates of Meat Inspection (COMI) and tampered manufacturing dates. These products, which pose significant health risk to consumers, were immediately confiscated.

Had the nearly 500 pigs make it past checkpoints, they could have reached key provinces such as Ilocos, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Bulacan and Cagayan, significantly worsening the ASF crisis and endangering public health.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry, Dr. Constante Palabrica, emphasized the importance of these checkpoints, which operate 24/7 to prevent the further spread of ASF across regions. “This operation is crucial in stopping the ‘ping pong’ movement of the ASF virus between the northern and southern regions of the country. We urge legitimate traders to ensure that all their transport documents are valid and compliant with regulations. Let us work together to protect the animal industry and safeguard the livelihood of Filipino farmers,” Palabrica stated.

Aside from pigs, chickens are also being checked to prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

BAI continues to maintain strict vigilance and ensure that all meat, livestock and poultry transported across the country meet safety and regulatory standards. ###