THE central Pangasinan town of Bayambang has temporarily closed its borders to the entry and exit of live pigs as well as fresh and frozen pork products following the detection of African Swine Fever (ASF) in six barangays.
Municipal authorities issued Executive Order No. 156 on Thursday, October 1, immediately imposing a 30‑day restriction unless extended, amended, or lifted earlier by the local government.
Bayambang has been officially classified as an ASF “Red Zone” in response to the confirmed cases in scattered communities across the municipality.
Municipal Information Officer Rafael Saygo explained that the measure is designed to strictly regulate and monitor all swine‑related movement in and out of the town, aligning with the Department of Agriculture’s updated ASF prevention and control guidelines. Under the protocols now in effect, confirmed infections within a 500‑meter radius trigger the “Test‑and‑Destroy” strategy requiring the culling of affected herds; where animals remain healthy, the “Test‑and‑Slaughter” approach may be applied subject to official assessment. Both protocols are intended to contain the virus before it spreads to neighboring towns and provinces.
Local officials emphasized that the enforcement of the ban will be coordinated closely with the Department of Agriculture, provincial veterinary services, and law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance and prevent smuggling. The outbreak in Bayambang forms part of a broader pattern of ASF concerns across the country, which has led some hog raisers in other regions to sell stock early out of fear of the disease, contributing to a recent drop in farm‑gate prices. Residents and traders are advised to observe the movement restrictions and report unusual swine deaths or symptoms to the nearest barangay or agricultural office.
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