MANILA — The Philippines has temporarily banned the import of live pigs, pork meat, pig skin, and other related products from Taiwan following confirmation of an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered the immediate moratorium, which also covers semen used for artificial insemination. The ban takes effect immediately and will remain in place until formally lifted.

“We have to be vigilant in preventing further ASF infections to protect jobs and investments in the swine industry and ensure food security and consumers’ health,” Tiu Laurel said, noting the potential economic impact should ASF enter local farms.

Taiwanese veterinary authorities reported the ASF outbreak in domesticated pigs in Taichung City to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on October 25, confirmed through testing by Taiwan’s Veterinary Research Institute. The Philippines’ response follows the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code for ASF control and prevention.

Under the DA order, all previously approved Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances for pigs and pork-related products from Taiwan are revoked, and new applications for these items are suspended. Veterinary quarantine officers at major ports have been directed to stop and confiscate shipments containing the restricted products.

The ban aims to prevent a repeat of previous ASF waves that caused significant losses to local hog raisers and pushed pork prices higher nationwide. Authorities said controlling the entry of new ASF strains is essential to stabilize the sector, protect investors, and ensure a secure pork supply for consumers.

Industry groups are expected to support the measure as a necessary safeguard for both producers and consumers.