NORTHERN Mindanao agriculture department is stepping up efforts to prevent the entry of the African Swine Fever (ASF), a killer disease affecting pigs, in the wake of recently confirmed outbreaks in Region 11 and 12.
Through its regulatory division, part of a measure, the department procured 317 gallons of disinfectants amounting to ₱412,100 for distribution to the different provinces, cities and municipalities within the region.
The department started the distribution of the disinfectants to the provinces at the start of 3rd quarter this year.
"With nearby regions stricken with the disease, the DA-10 continues to intensify its preventive measures to maintain Region 10’s ASF-free status," said DA-10 regional executive director Carlene Collado.
Collado explained that ASF can significantly affect the hog industry in the region, that is why tighter security measures are being observed, beefing up our efforts, especially in the regional borders.
As of first semester this year, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that Region 10 ranks third in hog production registering at 101,911.9 metric tons, with a swine inventory of 620,866 and 492,038 heads for backyard and commercial farms as of July 1 this year, respectively.
“By maintaining Northern Mindanao’s ASF-free status, this will also help in ensuring adequate pork supply and stabilizing pork prices,” said Collado.
DA-10 Veterinarian Dr. Julesben Caesar Maquiling said, to combat the growing threat of ASF and other animal-related diseases in the region, the department strengthens its support to the local government units by augmenting their supplies of disinfectants.
Maquiling said, this will be sprayed on vehicles entering the region and to be used in footbaths in their veterinary quarantine checkpoints.
Further, this has been reinforced with the recent installation of automated disinfectant systems in Alae, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon and Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental, including Malaybalay Stock Farm, DA’s research station in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
As of October 28, a total of 130 gallons of disinfectants were already distributed to the DA- Bureau of Animal Industry National - Veterinary Quarantine Services-10 (DA-BAI-NVQS-10) and the provincial and city veterinary offices across the region.
Thru the veterinary quarantine checkpoints, apprehension, confiscation and condemnation of undocumented or smuggled pork meat or its by-products coming from ASF-affected areas are being enforced.
Information and education campaign efforts are being carried out by the department along with its other engagements with other national government agencies, local government units and the private sectors such as the OroVets and NorMinHog.
ASF is a fatal and contagious hemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, of which no vaccines and treatment are currently available. (Angie Cabig/John Carl Anito/DA-10)
