MANILA, Dec. 8 -- The Philippines has ordered a temporary ban on the importation of live pigs, pork meat, pig skin and other pork-based products from Taiwan following the confirmation of an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak there.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., in a statement Monday, said the measure is necessary to shield the country's multibillion-peso hog industry from the highly contagious disease.

Tiu Laurel directed the immediate suspension of all imports from Taiwan, including semen used for artificial insemination. The order takes effect at once and will remain in force until officially lifted.

"We have to be vigilant in preventing further ASF infections to protect jobs and investments in th...