The Philippines has temporarily banned the import of live pigs, pork, pig skin, and other pork products from Taiwan after an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak was confirmed there.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered the immediate suspension to protect the country’s hog industry, saying stricter precautions are needed to avoid new infections and safeguard jobs, investments, and food security.
Taiwan reported the outbreak to the World Organisation for Animal Health in late October, confirming ASF in domesticated pigs in Taichung City. The Philippine government says its response follows international animal health guidelines.
All existing import clearances for affected products from Taiwan are now revoked, and no new applications will be accepted. Quarantine officers at ports have been instructed to block and seize any restricted shipments.
The Agriculture Department says the move is meant to prevent a repeat of earlier ASF waves that heavily damaged the local hog sector and raised pork prices. Authorities are increasing biosecurity measures and monitoring the situation as they work to keep the country’s pork supply safe.
