MISAMIS Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente “Bambi” Emano has imposed a temporary ban on the entry of pigs and pork products in the province to prevent a possible spread of African Swine Fever (ASF).

Emano, however, clarified that only those swine products coming from ASF-affected areas are banned.

The governor created the Task Force ASF Free-Misamis Oriental to ensure that the disease will not spread in the province’s swine industry.

Mayors of the municipalities in Misamis Oriental are also directed to strengthen their information and education campaign especially to backyard farmers who are advised to report any unusual swine mortality in their areas.

Meanwhile, to show the public that meat produced in the province is safe to eat, the provincial government will host a boodle fight today with grilled pig as the main menu.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ASF is a “highly contagious” hemorrhagic disease of pigs, warthogs, European wild boar and American wild pigs.

In animals, the ASF virus causes fever, loss of appetite, hemorrhages in the skin and internal organs, and even death.

Although the disease is not considered a health threat to humans, the FDA said it can cause major losses to the swine industry in the country with an economic value of P265 billion.