ASF Recovery Demands Long-term Support

The lingering effects of African Swine Fever (ASF) on Iloilo’s swine industry demand immediate support and a well-defined roadmap for long-term recovery.

Though ASF’s spread has slowed, the virus has left a 70% decline in Iloilo’s swine population, affecting not only swine farmers but also feed mills and other interdependent industries.

Short-term recovery measures should focus on containment, surveillance, and immediate financial support for affected farmers. Enhanced biosecurity training, disinfection protocols, and subsidies for disinfection supplies can help contain the virus and prevent further outbreaks. Financial aid programs, targeting small-scale farmers who are the backbone of Iloilo’s swine sector, are necessary to restore operations and provide a safety net as farmers rebuild.

Safe repopulation strategies, such as staggered restocking with monitored, disease-free pigs, must be prioritized. The recently launched “Green Grass, Golden Gains” initiative shows promise in educating farmers on biosecurity, but standardized measures across all farms, including backyard operations, are critical. Biosecurity practices, such as strict access control, regular disinfection, and separating new stocks from existing herds, should become mandatory to mitigate future risks.

Encouraging farmers to diversify their income sources by exploring alternative agricultural practices, such as poultry farming or vegetable cultivation, can help soften ASF’s economic impact. Government-led training programs and incentives for farmers willing to transition to alternative livelihoods will strengthen rural communities and create a more resilient agricultural sector.

Building a sustainable swine industry requires a shift in farm management practices. Community partnerships, cooperative repopulation efforts, and shared biosecurity resources can foster collective resilience and reduce individual costs. Insurance options for livestock are also vital, offering farmers a financial cushion in case of future outbreaks. Additionally, continuous support from research institutions to develop ASF vaccines or treatments can safeguard the industry from similar threats.

Local governments play an essential role in coordinating resources, facilitating access to financial aid, and strengthening the province’s ASF response framework. Collaborating with national agencies for funding and technical support, while promoting community-led initiatives, could create a robust support network for farmers. Such partnerships will be key in driving industry resilience, ensuring Iloilo’s swine industry can weather future health challenges.

With a focus on structured recovery, diversified livelihoods, and stronger biosecurity, Iloilo’s swine industry has a path toward sustainable growth post-ASF. Through these collective efforts, the industry can regain stability and protect the livelihoods of those it sustains.