Guimaras records first ASF case

By John Noel E. Herrera

The Department of Agriculture (DA)-6 confirmed that Guimaras province recorded its first confirmed cases of African Swine Fever (ASF).

Data from DA-6 indicated that some swine samples from Brgy. Sawang, Buenavista, Guimaras tested positive for ASF through convective PCR (cPCR) testing on Dec 16, 2022.

The agency’s regional ASF Task Force also discussed immediate measures and interventions to contain the spread of the virus.

“The DA-WV is in close coordination with the local government unit concerned in the implementation of the ASF protocols within the 500-meter radius and one-kilometer radius, and will be providing necessary technical and logistical support for the containment of the infected area the soonest time possible,” part of DA-6’s statement read.

The provincial government also intensified its surveillance and monitoring activities in the neighboring barangays and backyard farms within the 500-meter radius of the index case.

They also encouraged all the farmers, especially the backyard hog owners, to report unexplained mortalities and sickness of hogs as part of their preventive measures.

The provincial government also assured the hog raisers from nearby towns not to panic as measures are being undertaken to prevent the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, Guimaras Governor JC Rahman Nava issued Executive Order (EO) No. 118, mandating a temporary ban on the entry and exit of swine, pork, pork products, and by-products to and from the town of Buenavista where the first confirmed ASF case was reported.

The EO also enforced strict implementation of veterinary quarantine procedures and food safety measures to prevent the spread of ASF in neighboring towns.

“The Guimaras Police Provincial Office, the Philippine Coastguard, the Provincial Law Office for Agriculture Services, the Provincial Veterinary Office are “enjoined to implement the order and to intensify border control, enforce food security measures and strictly implement veterinary quarantine procedures on the movement of pigs and pork products,” part of the EO stated.

Nava added that he is still waiting for the assessment of the damage to the hog industry in the province.