DA to review livestock transport rules to ease holiday supply issues

On Wednesday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced it would conduct a comprehensive review of regulations related to livestock and poultry transport to address ongoing supply challenges exacerbated by lingering animal health issues.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the review will involve consultations with industry groups like the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc., focusing on easing supply bottlenecks for chicken and pork during the holiday season.

The DA is reviewing Administrative Order No. 5, Series of 2019, which sets guidelines to protect public health while managing animal transport, aiming to streamline processes without compromising food safety.

Additionally, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) is reevaluating Administrative Circular No. 2, Series of 2022, which modifies the National Zoning and Movement Plan to control African Swine Fever (ASF), a disease that has devastated the hog industry since its outbreak in 2019.

The DA aims to update safety measures to ensure stable supply and reasonable prices for pork and poultry while safeguarding public health.

In collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration, the DA is working towards making ASF vaccines commercially available in the Philippines.

This review aligns with the DA's 10-point agenda aimed at balancing development and regulation.