By Lilybeth Ison/PNA
MANILA — The Department of Agriculture has temporarily banned the importation of pigskin leather from countries affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF), including China, as it steps up measures to protect the Philippine hog industry.
The DA said due to the continuing outbreaks in China, leather of pig origin is temporarily banned.
ASF virus can survive up to 300 days in skin/fat (even dried).
ASF is a severe threat to the swine industry and its introduction threatens food security and challenges the livelihoods of pig producers.
The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) is now conducting risk assessment on the introduction of ASF virus through importation of leather products from China.
It is also considering sending an inspection team to China to visit the tannery facilities to check on compliance with the good manufacturing practices (GMP) and the hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP).
Importers are also advised to source their pig skin leather requirements from ASF-free countries.
