MINDANAO'S first two automated road bath disinfection facilities for animal transport carrier vehicles are now installed at the two areas in Bukidnon to avert the spread of the African swine fever (ASF) and other animal diseases, said in a press statement Wednesday.
"This ìs an effort of the department to contain the spread of the African swine fever virus," said Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 executive director Carlene C. Collado
Collado said the DA-10 would put up more in “critical and strategic” areas in Region 10, as Mindanao battles the spread of swine fever that has affected hog farms in the provinces of Davao del Sur and South Cotabato.
ASF was found in Lamanan and Domingga barangays, part of Davao City. It also spread to Mindanao's South Cotabato province, as it was found in 11 hogs in a batch of 42 in Koronadal City.
This [facility] is very important in order to prevent the spread of the [swine fever] virus from those affected areas, according to Collado.
The automated disinfection system has high automatic pressure sprayer and sensor with one set installed wall.
Collado said there is a need to sustain the biosecurity measures of the health and sanitation of DA-10’s MSF livestock that does not only cater Region 10 but the entire Mindanao.
On Monday, (Sept 28), Collado led the installation ceremony of two units automated disinfection systems installed in DA-RFO 10’s Malaybalay Stock Farm (MSF) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City and Alae Quarantine Station, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon to improve the efficacy of the disinfection strategies and reduce reliance to our frontliners.
One unit worth P1.59 million was turned over to the provincial government of Bukidnon through Vice Governor Rogelio N. Quiño for the additional animal biosafety system of the province under the agency’s Livestock Program.
“DA through this Automated Disinfection facility is serious in implementing the prevention of ASF particularly in Bukidnon, generally in entire Region 10.” said Collado.
The agency has procured three units for this year, two units were installed in Bukidnon and one unit for Magsayasay in Misamis Oriental,according to Collado.
He said DA will procure additional five units to augment the existing units next year.
Collado appealed to the Bukidnon provincial government for sustaining the project, by providing water and electricity for the continous utilization of the facilities and help maintain the province and the region as an ASF Free Zone.
"There is a need to strengthen strategies in protecting the producers and farmers from said disease," said DA-RFO 10 livestock program coordinator Ma. Lourdes M. Sypiecco considering that Bukidnon is one of the top pork producers in the country.
Meanwhile, Bukidnon vice gov. Quino said ASF must be prevented from entering Bukidnon.
“Ang mga hayop sa Bukidnon dili matakbuyan sa sakit nga kanunay nga gi monitor busa higpit ang pagsulod sa livestock diri sa probinsiya.” (Angie T. Cabig)
