Rising Restrictions Against Porcine Products and What You Can Do About It.
Since its detection in Kenya in 2019, African Swine Fever (ASF) has escalated into a global crisis, disrupting the porcine supply chain and market dynamics worldwide. The virus soon made its way to Asia, initially entering Mongolia and rapidly spreading across the region, affecting countries like South Korea, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other countries. The virus has wreaked havoc over these countries’ markets, leading to the loss of hundreds of thousands of pigs over its course. These countries were swift in developing and enacting strategies in response to this disease. In the Philippines, the government responded with measures such as reduced tariff rates, pig depopulation, and other restrictive protocols to contain the outbreak and protect the local swine industry.
The first case of ASF in the Philippines was confirmed in Rizal province in July 2019, marking the beginning of a relentless spread of the disease throughout the country. By April 2024, ASF had already affected all 17 administrative regions and 73 provinces. This widespread contagion has crippled the local pork industry, leading to a significant decrease in supply, higher culling rates, and the implementation of stringent preventive measures. The market has felt these impacts acutely: on April 22, 2024, the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) reported a 13.5% decrease in frozen pork inventory, while locally supplied pork saw a drastic 75% reduction overall, with the remaining market share belonging to imported pork. This decline underscores the market’s growing reliance on imports and the heightened vulnerability of local farmers. Despite these challenges, pork remains the most purchased meat product in the country during the first quarter of 2024. However, while higher pork prices might benefit some farmers, the trend poses significant affordability issues for consumers and indicates potential long-term destabilizing effects as the country becomes more dependent on imports.
Addressing the ASF crisis effectively requires a collaborative effort among all stakeholders. In light of these challenges, local farmers are faced with the urgent need to adapt and be given robust government support to stabilize the pork market and safeguard their livelihoods. This requires effective surveillance of the swine population, proper execution of strategies and protocols, and collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to address ASF without causing further unnecessary losses to local businesses. Additionally, farmers can explore alternative protein sources to reduce their dependence on porcine products. Fish and plant proteins present viable options for animal farming, offering a way to diversify protein sources and mitigate the risks associated with ASF. By embracing these alternatives, farmers can safeguard their income and contribute to a more resilient agricultural sector. This approach not only helps in the short term but also builds a more sustainable and adaptable industry in the long run.
References
https://www.fao.org/animal-health/situation-updates/asf-in-asia-pacific/en
https://ispweb.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/pork-plight-in-the-philippines-asf-impact-import-surge-and-market-strain/
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/12/1816
