DA Reviews Livestock and Poultry Transport Regulations to Ease Supply Issues

The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced a comprehensive review of livestock and poultry transport regulations to address supply constraints exacerbated by ongoing animal health issues. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the review would be conducted in consultation with industry stakeholders, including the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc.

“This regulatory review, particularly of DA Administrative Order No. 5, Series of 2019, aims to ease supply bottlenecks for chicken and pork while maintaining food safety standards. It will also help manage demand surges expected during the holiday season,” said Tiu Laurel.

Issued in 2019, DA Administrative Order No. 5 establishes strict guidelines for the local transport of animals and animal products to protect public health and prevent the spread of animal diseases. The review will also consider adjustments to the Bureau of Animal Industry’s 2022 circular on the National Zoning and Movement Plan, which is part of efforts to control African Swine Fever (ASF), a disease that has severely impacted the hog industry since 2019.

The DA, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration, is also working to make ASF vaccines commercially available in the Philippines.

“Our goal is to streamline processes to ensure a stable supply of pork, poultry, and other products at reasonable prices, while safeguarding public health and the livestock industry,” Tiu Laurel added. This policy update aligns with the DA’s 10-point agenda to balance industry growth with regulatory measures.