The Iloilo City Veterinary Office is considering recommending a permanent ban on the entry of pigs and pork products from Luzon and countries affected by African swine fever (ASF). 

The city has an existing order imposing a temporary prohibition of live pigs, hog carcasses, pork, pork products, and by-products from ASF-affected areas.

The order aims to protect the city from the spread of the ASF virus.

City Veterinarian Tomas Forteza said on Tuesday, Dec. 17, the city is self-sufficient in pork production.

According to the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Animal Industry, it would support the City Veterinary Office once the latter decides to recommend the permanent closure of the city’s doors to pork imports.

“Marecommend kita sa Sangguniang Panlungsod kag sila na madecide kon maimpose ang syudad sang permanent ban or indi. Mapasar sila ordinansa,” said Forteza.IMT