Valencia: The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) in Negros Oriental has granted permission for local government units (LGUs) that have been cleared of African swine fever (ASF) to resume the sale of live hogs and pork, pending adherence to veterinary requirements, an official confirmed Friday. Acting PVO Chief Vernon Lumbania announced that Valencia town has been approved to sell live pigs and pork beyond its borders following a thorough inspection and the absence of any new ASF cases in recent weeks.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lumbania stated, "No new ASF cases have been reported in Valencia over the past weeks, and we are now allowing hog farmers to resume their businesses." However, he emphasized that hogs must still be processed through an accredited slaughterhouse, where blood samples will be collected for ASF testing.

Hog raisers are also required to obtain certification from the PVO or other authorized veterinary authorities to confirm that their animals are ASF-free before they can be transported to slaughterhouses. The PVO is actively inspecting other LGUs that have not reported new ASF cases to assess whether they can also resume hog and pork trading.

Lumbania clarified that while LGUs cleared for resuming hog and pork sales can only do so within Negros Oriental, the interprovincial movement and trade of live hogs and pork remain prohibited until the entire province is declared ASF-free. The PVO is currently compiling data on ASF cases and the disease situation in the province for its weekly report, which is released every Friday.