Cibi e Bevande
Belgian Meat Office: The Philippines Lift Ban on Importing European Pork from Belgium
The Philippine Government has determined two important export conditions for Belgium , which Belgium will scrupulously respect:
All domestic swine in the initial infected zone have been eradicated under the supervision of the Belgian Government, and the re-population of farms in this zone remains forbidden.
Never Outbreaks in Domestic Pigs
The Philippines are the 1 major Asian country to lift the ban on importing pork from Belgium . Michael Goffin , Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines : "This is a reward for our comprehensive and successful ASF approach, in which rapid detection and rapid response have been crucial."
Belgium succeeded in keeping its 6.2 million domestic pigs virus-free, thanks to strict bio-security measures, thorough collaboration—on both national and European levels—and an ingenious zoning system, secured by a wild-boar-proof 300 km fencing network.
Wild boar were systematically eradicated preventively. Since
October 2019 , all wild boar carcasses have been virus-free, as shown by continuous testing. "Thanks to our targeted efforts,
Belgium is the 1 country with a substantial pork industry to become ASF-free," states
Michael Goffin .
Even with such favourable results, strict measures will remain in place in the future.
Importance of the Philippines as Belgian Trade Partner
Before the ASF outbreak, the Philippines were Belgium's 2 largest pork trade partner outside the European Union, with an export volume of 12,577 tons and a value of 750 million PHP .
Belgian Meat Office coordinates pork and beef export activities. The meat export agency was founded in 2003 under the Flanders' Agricultural Marketing Board (VLAM) umbrella. | www.europeanpork.eu
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1336638/Belgian_Meat_Office_Philipines.jpg