Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has adopted new pork import rules aimed at preventing the further spread of African swine fever (ASF) in the country. In a statement on Tuesday, the DA said Administrative Circular No. 12, issued by Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., introduces a regionalization scheme and recognition of ASF-free zones among accredited exporting countries.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu Laurel stated that the policy aligns with the international standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) to ensure the safe importation of swine and poultry products. “The government has been actively working to recover from ASF through a national zoning and movement plan, identifying areas already disease-free,” Tiu Laurel said.
He added that the new rules strike a balance between food security and animal health safeguards. “This highlights the importance of science-based monitoring, ASF-free regionalization, and adherence to WOAH guidelines for safe swine trade,” Tiu Laurel said.
Under the circular, only DA-accredited countries may apply for ASF regionalization recognition. Exporting countries must submit detailed reports on ASF surveillance, control measures, and the boundaries of ASF-free regions. The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) will then conduct a six-month technical review to assess compliance with DA and WOAH standards.
Approved applications will include an ASF Regionalization Agreement draft outlining animal health requirements, import conditions, and a Veterinary Health Certificate template. Once signed by both countries’ chief veterinary officials, the agreement will formalize bilateral recognition and take effect through a DA memorandum order.
Exporting countries must submit annual ASF status reports detailing surveillance, monitoring, and control measures. Live swine from ASF-free regions must show no clinical signs of the disease and must not pass through restricted zones during transport. Swine products, meanwhile, must come from approved slaughterhouses in ASF-free regions and pass ante- and post-mortem inspections.
The DA said Administrative Circular No. 12 will be reviewed after two years to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. Conflicting rules or issuances will be repealed or modified accordingly, it said.
