DA reviews rules to ease transport of chicken, hogs without compromising food safety

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is conducting a comprehensive review of regulations governing the transport of livestock, particularly chickens and hogs, to address ongoing supply challenges exacerbated by lingering animal health issues.

In a news release, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said that the review of existing regulations will be carried out in consultation with industry groups, particularly the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc.

“This extensive review of regulations, including DA Administrative Order (AO) No. 5, Series of 2019, aims to ease supply bottlenecks for chicken and pork without compromising food safety. It will also help manage expected demand spikes during the holiday season,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said.

DA Administrative Order No. 5, issued in 2019, sets guidelines for the local transport of animals, animal products, and by-products to protect public health and combat animal health threats. The regulations impose strict timelines for obtaining transport permits and set special requirements for specific animals and products.

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)  is also reviewing DA Administrative Circular No. 2, Series of 2022, which modified the National Zoning and Movement Plan to control African Swine Fever (ASF). ASF has devastated the hog industry since its outbreak in 2019.

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

“We aim to streamline these processes and update safety measures to ensure stable supply and reasonable prices for pork, poultry, and other products, while safeguarding both public health and the livestock industry,” said Secretary Tiu Laurel.

The review is part of the DA’s 10-point agenda to strike a balance between development and regulation. The department is also considering a multi-billion-peso investment to improve quarantine facilities, enhance monitoring and inspection capabilities, and establish regional laboratories.