The Department of Agriculture (DA-6) on Friday night, Dec. 16, confirmed the presence of the highly contagious African swine fever (ASF) in the province of Guimaras.
Blood samples taken from pigs in Barangay Sawang, Buenavista town tested positive for the ASF virus.
This prompted the provincial government to issue an executive order “banning the entry and exit of swine, pork, pork products and by-products to and from the municipality of Buenavista.”
Engineer Jose Albert Barrogo, officer-in-charge (OIC) regional executive director of DA-6, said they are closely coordinating with the local government unit in implementing the ASF protocols within the 500-meter radius and one-kilometer radius.
“[DA-6] will be providing necessary technical and logistical supports for the containment of the infected area the soonest time possible,” he added.
Also part of the measures to prevent the further spread of ASF is the intensified surveillance and monitoring activities in the neighbouring barangays and other backyard farms by the ASF task force in the town.
“All hog raisers, agricultural extension workers and stakeholders are encouraged to report any sudden death and sickness of hogs in their respective areas to the nearest municipal aglriculture office,” said Barrogo.
“We appeal to the public not to panic and follow the ASF protocols being implemented in all ports of entry, animal checkpoints and also intensify their respective biosecurity measures,” he added.
Barrogo stressed that is not contagious to humans. “Let us buy pork that undergone NMIS meat inspection and from reliable and NMIS-accredited meat supply stores.”IMT
