Philippines issues new rules to strengthen ASF safeguards

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has issued new rules aimed at strengthening the Philippines’ defences against African swine fever while ensuring the safe importation of swine and pork products, according to a government-issued press release. The guidelines, set out in Administrative Circular No. 12, introduce ASF regionalisation, allowing recognition of ASF-free zones within accredited exporting countries in line with World Organisation for Animal Health standards. “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,” Tiu Laurel said. Only Department of Agriculture-accredited countries may apply for ASF regionalisation recognition. Exporting countries’ competent veterinary authorities must submit detailed reports on ...