Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered new rules governing the importation of pork and live swine to strengthen safeguards against African swine fever while allowing shipments from ASF-free zones abroad, according to an administrative circular released November 11.
The guidelines under Administrative Circular 12 adopt ASF regionalization, which recognizes ASF-free areas within accredited exporting countries in line with World Organisation for Animal Health standards.
Tiu Laurel said the government continues efforts to recover from ASF through a national zoning and movement plan that identifies disease-free areas.
“The government has been actively working to recover from ASF through a national zoning and movement plan, identifying areas already disease-free. This highlights the importance of science-based monitoring, regionalization for ASF freedom, and adherence to WOAH guidelines for safe swine trade,” he said.
Only Department of Agriculture accredited countries may apply for recognition of ASF-free regions. Their Competent Veterinary Authority must submit detailed reports on surveillance, control measures and specific boundaries of ASF-free zones.
The Bureau of Animal Industry, through its Risk Import Assessment Team, will conduct a six-month technical review to determine compliance with Philippine and international requirements. After evaluation, the BAI will notify the exporting country of the results. Approved applications will include a draft ASF Regionalization Agreement specifying animal health rules, import conditions and a Veterinary Health Certificate template.
Bilateral recognition will take effect once both countries’ Chief Veterinary Officers sign the agreement and the DA issues a memorandum order.
Existing commodities under DA export accreditation are covered. Exporting countries must also submit annual ASF status reports showing surveillance, monitoring and control activities.
The circular requires that live swine show no ASF symptoms, come from ASF-free regions and avoid restricted areas during transport. Pork products must originate from ASF-free regions, be routed directly to approved slaughterhouses in sealed vehicles and pass both ante- and post-mortem inspections consistent with WOAH standards.
The DA will review the circular after two years to ensure its continued relevance. Previous rules inconsistent with the new order are repealed or revised.
Tiu Laurel said the policy balances food security and animal health, protecting local producers while enabling responsible trade founded on scientific standards.
