BACOLOD CITY (PIA) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. tasked the Department of Agriculture (DA) 6 to examine all pig breeding sites in the region to contain the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF) following the reported cases in the province of Iloilo.
He gave the directive during a situation briefing held here on the sidelines of his visit to the city for Masskara Festival.
The session was joined by Western Visayas regional directors of DA and other government agencies, namely, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), local government units, and local stakeholders on October 23.
A press release from the Office of the Press Secretary said that President Marcos has ensured that all measures are in place to prevent the spread of ASF, including banning pork products from infested areas.
With the challenge of infection posted in the hog industry and various sectors, provincial officials were vigilant in issuing their respective directives to tighten their border controls to prevent the potential spread of ASF in the region.
Per Executive Order No. 460, series of 2022, signed by Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., implementing quarantine procedures, disease prevention, and control measures for ASF in the province were highlighted effective for 10 days starting October 17, which is extendible if necessary.
It could be noted that Western Visayas had previously been known to be among the last few areas in the country that had remained ASF-free since the first reported outbreak in July 2019.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs. In its acute form, it generally results in high mortality, making it a major crisis for the hog industry.
While it is not a danger to human health, it has devastating effects on the pig population and farming economy. (JBG/April Grace Padilla/PIA6)
