ASF reaches Eastern Visayas, threatens multibillion peso hog industry in WV

The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Western Visayas has appealed to local government units (LGU) in the region to intensify their measures to prevent the entry of the highly-contagious African Swine Fever (ASF) after authorities confirmed that ASF has already reached Eastern Visayas.

DA-6 Regional Director Dr. Remelyn Recoter said that the multibillion hog industry in the region is highly vulnerable to ASF. Hence, she appealed to the public to help keep the hog industry in Western Visayas ASF-free.

According to Recoter, they conducted a virtual meeting last week with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) and the six provincial veterinarians for the intensified border check points and surveillance against meat that can possibly be ASF carriers.

“Nagvirtual meeting sang nagligad nga semana kag nag kasugot ang DA RFO 6, BAI, NMIS kag anum ka mga Provincial Veterinarians nga striktohan gid ang ila local nga mga measures parehas sang border checkpoint, surveillance, kag intensified campaigns,” she said in her Facebook account.

Recoter appealed to the public to immediately report any death incidents of hogs in the region to the respective authorities.

“Indi kamo maghipos kag taguon ang inpormasyon. Sa insigida nga pag sugid sang hitabo, maka aksyon dayon ang mga otorisado nga mga ahensya sang DA kag LGU. Kun mahimo, isugid dayon sa barangay captain, livestock technician, Municipal Agriculturist Office ang insidente,” she added.

When buying pork products, Recoter reminded the public to be wary and avoid buying pork products with unknown origins.

She also advised hog raisers to avoid feeding their hogs with food or kitchen wastes as it can transmit ASF virus.

Meanwhile, she added that authorities manning the port of entries must be strict and look for the necessary documents particularly the Certificate of Disinfection. Hog vans must also be disinfected upon arriving at the port of entry.

The multibillion hog industry which is priced at more than PHP20-billion is highly vulnerable to the virus especially since majority of the hog raisers are backyard raisers, according to Recoter.

“Ang industriya sang baboy sa Western Visayas, kalabanan 80% backyard raisers. Sila aton mga paryente, amigo/amiga kag kasimaryo/kasimanwa nga ma apektuhan kun masudlan kita diri,” she added.

Last January 16, DA in Eastern Visayas confirmed that ASF has already reached Abuyog, Leyte in Eastern Visayas.

This was the first reported entry of ASF in the whole Visayas region. ASF outbreaks have already been declared in Luzon and Mindanao. (ERS)