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Philippines Confirms African Swine Fever Was “Suspected” Disease

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The Philippine Department of Agriculture has confirmed that African swine fever was the "suspected" swine disease that broke out last month in small backyard farms in the Rizal province and prompted the depopulation of more than 7,000 hogs. [

  • Guidelines in securing certificate of farm disease-free status in disease outbreak areas. This enables owners to get needed certification from DA-BAI, declaring their farm is disease-free and not affected by current swine disease in subject area.
  • Revised guidelines on the local movement of swine, pork, pork products and pork by-products outside disease outbreak areas. This policy strengthens current procedures on said subject.
  • Veterinary quarantine movement protocol during animal disease outbreaks/emergencies. This ensures a protocol is in place and to manage, contain and control a suspected swine disease.

    • The DA says while vigilance continues across the country, it commends its partners in the local swine industry, local government units, the military and the Philippine National Police for their strong support, cooperation and assistance in the various measures carried out on the ground.

    "They have been engaged all throughout this episode — and we will continue to do so — in keeping with the Department of Agriculture’s policy of participatory and consultative decision-making.

    "Rest assured that the DA is on top of the situation. We are prepared to respond to all scenarios. We assure the public there is enough supply of pork in the market.

    "We are pleased to report that we have already suspended the ground operations in Rizal and will now focus on cleaning and disinfection operations. However, we will remain vigilant and continue to vigorously conduct surveillance and quarantine measures."