ASF reaches Masbate, nearby LGUs tighten measures

The highly contagious African Swine Fever (ASF) has reached Region 5, threatening the multibillion hog industry in Western Visayas.

To keep the region ASF-free, local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Western Visayas have intensified their efforts to prevent the entry of ASF in the region.

DA-6 will employ the “whole of nation” approach which will involve all the stakeholders participating in the hog industry in Western Visayas, according to DA-6 Regional Executive Director Dr. Remelyn Recoter.

Recoter said the strategy which was discussed during a meeting with the stakeholders last week aims to revive the hog industry and reduce pork prices amid the threats of ASF.

“Highlights during the meeting with the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) Sectoral Committee on Livestock include the “whole of nation” approach to revive the hog industry and reduce pork prices. We also signed a memorandum order on hog movement. Several resolutions were passed by the committee based on the testimonies of local traders, growers, shippers, and the experiences of the DA veterinary and quarantine officers,” she shared in her Facebook account.

DA Region 5 has confirmed that laboratory results indicated that hog samples from Aroroy, Masbate tested positive for ASF viral DNA.

This came less than a month since authorities confirmed that ASF has already reached Eastern Visayas particularly in Abuyog, Leyte.

Following the threats of ASF, LGUs near Masbate especially the island barangays of the towns of Carles and Estancia in Iloilo province have tightened their measures to monitor the entry of hog and pork products in Iloilo province.

In a radio interview with Radyo Pilipinas on Friday, February 12, 2021, Dr. Darel Tabuada supervising veterinarian of Iloilo province said they already contacted the LGUs through their municipal technician to impose strict measures to prevent the entry of ASF in the province.

Tabuada reminded the LGUs to implement the executive order (EO) of Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. which bans the entry of vans and other vehicles carrying hogs from areas with confirmed ASF.

He also appealed to barangay officials of the island barangays to immediately report any attempts to bring in pork products from affected areas in the province.

“Kon indi magbulig ang aton mga opisyales mabudlay gid kita nga madakpan ang mga nagapahapit sang ila mga baboy sa ila kag ginapaclaim sa mga taga­-isla agud sila ang madala sa mainland. Mabudlay gid kon makasulod ining mga baboy halin sa mga area nga may ASF,” he said.

The multibillion hog industry in Region 6, priced at more than PHP20-billion is highly vulnerable to the virus with majority of the hog raisers identified as backyard raisers. (ERS)