Kalinga temporarily bans entry, purchase of live hogs, poultry, other animals to protect province from ASF, Avian Influenza

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Provincial Government of Kalinga is enforcing a temporary ban on the entry and purchase of live hogs, poultry and non-poultry animals, as well as their products and by-products, from areas with confirmed cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian Influenza (AI).

The measure is being implemented under Executive Order No. 2024-53 issued by Governor James S. Edduba and posted on September 3, 2026, as the province strengthens its defenses against animal diseases that could threaten local livestock and poultry production.

The ban covers live swine, domestic and wild birds, and animal products and by-products, including day-old chicks, eggs, semen and manure.

The EO also provides that areas where ASF or AI is subsequently detected will automatically be placed under the ban, without the need for another executive order.

The measure seeks to protect Kalinga’s livestock and poultry industries and prevent disease outbreaks that could affect farmers, raisers and the province’s agricultural economy.

ASF threat remains

Kalinga had previously imposed similar restrictions following ASF outbreaks in neighboring provinces.

In October 2023, the province temporarily prohibited the entry of live hogs, pork and pork products from Isabela after the province was classified as ASF-affected.

The threat expanded in 2024, with confirmed ASF cases reported in parts of Abra, Cagayan, Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya. BAI records later listed affected barangays in several Cordillera provinces, including Kalinga.

Historical disease records, however, do not necessarily mean that all previously affected areas remain under active outbreak status, as classifications may change following surveillance and disease-control measures.

Poultry also on watch

The provincial restrictions also cover Avian Influenza, a highly contagious disease affecting poultry and other birds.

AI cases were confirmed in La Trinidad, Benguet in August 2024. A March 2026 update from the Avian Influenza Protection Program also identified Tanudan and Tabuk City in connection with confirmed AI cases.

Authorities stressed that disease status may change over time depending on surveillance and control measures.

“Show your papers” at checkpoints

Shipments allowed to enter Kalinga must pass through designated Provincial Animal Quarantine Checkpoints in Talaca, Tabuk City, and Liwan East, Macutay, Kinama and Romualdez in Rizal.

Traders and transporters are required to secure appropriate documents, including Veterinary Health Certificates, Veterinary Shipping Permits and disease-free certifications, among other requirements depending on the animals or products being transported.

Additional requirements apply to poultry, including day-old chicks, broilers, layers, gamefowl, ducks, geese, turkeys and wild or exotic birds.

Wild and exotic birds must also secure the appropriate transport permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

For pigs intended for slaughter or fattening, proof of ASF-free status or active disease surveillance is required, while breeding pigs are subject to additional laboratory and veterinary requirements.

Through the temporary ban, quarantine checkpoints and disease surveillance, the provincial government aims to keep ASF and AI out of Kalinga while protecting local farmers, livestock raisers and the province’s agricultural livelihood.