DA: No pork shortage amid ASF in 64 towns

On Sunday, an agricultural partylist warned of a potential pork supply shortage and price increases due to the spread of African swine fever (ASF) in the coming months.

As of August 8, the Department of Agriculture reported active ASF cases in 64 municipalities across 22 provinces.

AGAP Partylist Representative Nicanor Briones stated that by October, November, December, and January, demand will outstrip supply as many hog raisers sell off their pigs to avoid losses from ASF.

However, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel assured on Monday that the outbreak in Batangas is not expected to cause a pork shortage or price hikes, emphasizing that importation can address any supply gaps.

The DA and FDA have approved limited use of an ASF vaccine from Vietnam, with 10,000 doses expected next week for free distribution to affected farms, particularly those in red zones.

Laurel also announced increased indemnification rates ranging between P4,000 and P12,000 per hog to encourage farmers to surrender infected pigs, while the government continues to work on a nationwide vaccine rollout by late 2024.