PNA file photo MALASIQUI, Pangasinan - The provincial government of Pangasinan is implementing a temporary ban on the entry of live swine and pork from the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, and Tarlac from August 18 to September 17 amid the threat of the African swine fever (ASF) virus. In Executive Order (EO) 0125 posted on Friday, Governor Ramon Guico III said the Department of Agriculture's (DA) updated zoning map and zoning status listed the three provinces as having active cases and under the red zone, or areas infected with ASF. "The DA Ilocos regional office recommended the crafting of executive orders and ordinances to regulate the movement of swine in the provinces," he said. Guico said the provincial veterinary officers have been directed to continue the order to inspect and man the quarantine checkpoints established to monitor the enforcement of the EO. "In addition, in order to ensure the safety of our constituents and our swine industry, all local chief executives are directed to strengthen biosafety, hygiene, and sanitation standards in slaughterhouses or abattoirs and public markets in their respective area of jurisdiction," he added. Guico also directed the local government units to be vigilant and report immediately any suspected cases of ASF in their localities. The DA has already distributed more than 2,000 sentinel piglets to the backyard hog raisers whose pigs were culled due to the ASF as part of the recovery program in the province. The ASF-affected hog raisers in the 36 towns and cities in the province have received sentinel piglets. The sentinel animals have undergone a 40-day observation period and tested negative for ASF. They will again be observed for 90 days to 120 days before being tested anew. If the tests turn negative, then the area will be declared free and they can start hog repopulation. The DA provided the ASF test kits, along with reader and laboratory equipment, power sprayers, ASF responder kits, and disinfectants. (PNA) }