Manila, December 8 (IANS). The Philippines has temporarily banned the import of pork from Spain. This decision was taken because a case of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been found in Spain. This information was given by the Agriculture Department of the Philippines.
Agriculture Minister Francisco Tiu Laurel said the ban is only for a short period of time and will not cause a shortage or increase in prices of pork at Christmas time. He said that the country’s cold storages are already full and there is enough stock available to meet the increased demand during festivals.
Spanish veterinary authorities told the World Organization for Animal Health on November 28 that ASF had been found in wild pigs in the Sabadell area of Barcelona. After this, the Philippines has imposed this ban so that the disease does not spread in the country and both domestic and wild pigs can be protected.
He said all sanitary and phytosanitary permits for pig shipments from Spain have been automatically canceled to protect food safety and public health. All permits for live pigs, pork meat, hides and semen used in artificial insemination coming from Spain have been cancelled. This step has been taken keeping in mind the protection of food security and public health.
Only frozen pork products produced on or before November 11 and loaded, in transit or accepted at port on or before December 4 may enter the Philippines. Shipments produced after November 11 will be sent back to Spain, Xinhua news agency reported.
ASF is a very rapidly spreading disease, with mortality rates of up to 100 percent in both domestic and wild pigs. This disease does not harm humans, but causes huge losses to pigs and the economy of animal husbandry.
This virus can survive for a long time in the environment. It can spread by sticking to clothes, shoes, vehicle wheels and other things. It can also survive in various pork products, such as ham, sausage or bacon. Therefore it is important to be careful.
Let us tell you that in many countries pig farming is the main source of income for families. Small farmers are badly affected by the spread of ASF and their livelihood is at risk. Pig meat is a major source of animal protein worldwide and accounts for about 35 percent of total meat consumption.
–IANS
AS/