Authorities in La Union have tightened border inspections and transport restrictions after African swine fever (ASF) was confirmed in a town in neighboring Pangasinan, although officials said the province remains free of the disease.

The Provincial Government of La Union issued a public advisory urging residents to stay alert following the reported ASF case in Pangasinan.

As a precaution, authorities have stepped up monitoring at provincial borders and temporarily banned the entry of pigs from areas with confirmed ASF infections.

Dr. Remedios Pajatin, chief of the Regulatory Division of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 1, said the measures are necessary to prevent the virus from spreading.

"Tama po 'yung ginagawa nila to guard 'yung province sa possible na spread ng ASF," he said.

According to the DA Region 1, La Union has not recorded any ASF cases.

Despite this, surveillance and monitoring continue across the province to detect any possible outbreak at the earliest stage.

Pajatin also assured consumers that there is no reason for pork prices to increase because the disease has been contained in affected areas.

"Sa ngayon, walang dapat ikabahala ang mga consumer natin. Walang dapat na itaas sa presyo kasi na-contain naman ang disease," he said.

Vendors at the Bauang Public Market also said pork prices remain stable and that all pork sold in the market comes from animals slaughtered at accredited slaughterhouses.

Ashley Castillejos, a meat vendor, said prices have even declined in recent days.

"Bumaba ang presyo ngayon. Dati 340 [pesos], ngayon 330 [pesos] na," she said.

Rem Acosta, a regular customer, said she continues to buy pork from the market.

"Dito talaga ako bumibili," he said.

Authorities reminded the public that ASF affects pigs but does not pose a risk to human health. They urged livestock raisers and traders to comply with biosecurity measures and transport restrictions to help prevent the spread of the disease.