By: WPS News Staff
Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines | February 23, 2025
The fight against African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Philippines has been a tough journey over the last few years, affecting both hog raisers and government officials. ASF is a disease that almost always kills infected pigs, causing big troubles in the pork industry.
The first reports of ASF came in late 2019. The disease quickly spread, leading hog raisers to panic and cull infected animals to stop the outbreak. By 2020, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that ASF was affecting many important hog-producing areas, which caused prices for pork to rise dramatically.
In response to the growing crisis, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) took measures to stop illegal transport of pigs from infected areas. The government began working on plans to vaccinate pigs against ASF, with initial trials of the vaccine beginning in hopes of FDA approval.
By February 2025, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. announced that key players in the pork industry were coming together to review their cost structures. Rising prices, driven by extra costs from traders (known as “viajeros”), prompted public concern as pork prices soared to P480 per kilo in some markets.
After multiple meetings, the DA decided to implement a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork starting in March. This decision, along with the upcoming rollout of the ASF vaccine, aims to bring prices down and reassure consumers and retailers. So far, around 30,000 hogs have been vaccinated against the virus, showing proactive steps taken to control the situation.
Despite these efforts, worries remain about how well the vaccine will work and its availability. As vaccinations for pigs begin, discussions about the importance of vaccines in public health have also grown. Cliff Potts’ new book, How to Avoid Vaccines, and Die Like a Medieval Peasant, humorously explores these topics, highlighting the significance of vaccines throughout history.
In a time when misinformation is common, Potts’ book critiques anti-vaccine beliefs while reminding readers that vaccines are crucial for protecting health. By combining stories of odd illnesses with the vital role of vaccinations, the book challenges readers to think about their health choices.
As the ASF situation unfolds, it’s important for Filipino readers to navigate and analyze information regarding vaccines and health. Understanding how vaccines benefit both livestock and people can help combat false information.
As we move through these complicated issues, let’s stay informed, support each other, and make smart health choices. By learning from our past, we can build a healthier future in the face of today’s challenges.
Why Some Cultures Avoid Pork: Understanding Dietary Restrictions
Certain cultural and religious groups, such as Muslims and Jews, refrain from consuming pork due to their dietary laws. For Muslims, this prohibition stems from the Quran’s teachings, which deem pork as “haram,” meaning it is forbidden. In Judaism, the guidelines known as kashrut explicitly state that pork is not kosher, making it unacceptable for consumption.
Beyond these religious doctrines, some individuals choose to avoid pork for various ethical reasons. Concerns about animal welfare in factory farming practices play a significant role, with many people questioning the treatment of pigs and the conditions under which they are raised. Additionally, health considerations also contribute to this choice. Many believe that pork can be less healthy than other types of meat, as it is often higher in fat and can pose health risks if not prepared properly.
One specific health concern related to pork is the risk of undercooked or improperly handled meat, which can harbor parasites like Trichinella spiralis. This parasite can cause a disease known as trichinosis, leading to symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress and muscle pain. Due to these potential health risks, individuals may opt to avoid pork altogether to ensure their safety and well-being.
Moreover, some cultures view the dietary restrictions around pork as a reflection of broader commitments to personal values regarding spirituality, ethics, and health. For these groups, abstaining from pork is not just about dietary preference; it embodies a holistic approach to living in accordance with their beliefs and principles.
The Essential Role of Pork in Resource-Limited Regions
In various regions where agricultural space is limited and alternative protein sources are scarce, pork emerges as a vital food option. In these areas, the ability to raise pigs can offer a sustainable means of protein production, as pigs require less land compared to larger livestock and can be raised in diverse environments, including backyards and small farms. Economic factors also play a role; in regions facing poverty, pork can provide an accessible and relatively affordable source of nutrition. Furthermore, pigs are known for their high reproductive rates, allowing for quicker returns on investment and a continuous protein supply. Unlike in some religious traditions where pork consumption is prohibited, Christians are generally free to eat pork due to the revelations found in the Book of Acts, which emphasizes that there is no longer any distinction between clean and unclean. This perspective enables many Christian communities to incorporate pork into their diets without religious constraints, thus contributing to its importance as a food source in resource-limited areas.
Resources for the story:
| Author | Publisher | Date of Publication | Title of Article |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bella Cariaso | The Philippine Star | February 21, 2025 | Subsidize ASF vaccine, government urged |
| Dianne Gorembalem | PIA (Philippine Information Agency) | February 20, 2025 | DA distributes cash aid to ASF-troubled Mindoro hog growers |
| Nobufumi Yamada | (Not specified) | February 18, 2025 | Detector dogs sniff out meat to keep out African swine fever |
| Vivienne Angeles | Daily Tribune | February 18, 2025 | Pork stakeholders review cost structures to lower prices |
| (Author not specified) | (Not specified) | February 23, 2025 | Agriculture dept to implement maximum SRP for pork by March |
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