Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has again issued an order banning the entry of livestock transport carriers and hog vans from areas hit by African swine fever (ASF) to the city without disinfection certificate from the Department of Agriculture at the point of origin or port exit.

Treñas specifically cited Luzon, Mindanao, Eastern Visayan province, and other ASF-hit areas. To recall, Leyte’s Abuyog town recorded the first case of ASF in the Visayas.

“There is an urgent need to intensify preventive measures in order to protect the hog industry of Region VI from the possible threat of ASF and its economic effects,” said Treñas.

The city mayor cited that the city is considered the leader of trade and commercial hub for Western Visayas.

It is also the main entry/exit point of inter-regional conveyance through the Iloilo International Airport and Iloilo International Port in Loboc, Lapuz district, having been identified as third in ranking in terms of ship calls at 11,853; fourth in cargo throughout at 491,719 million metric tons; and fourth in passenger traffic at 2.4 million annually.

Last year, Treñas also issued an order banning the entry of livestock and its by-products originating from areas in Luzon, Region XI, Davao Region, and from countries positive for ASF./WDJ