ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) -- Several Local Government Units (LGUs) in the province of Romblon have proactively implemented lockdown measures to protect their local swine industries and prevent the potential outbreak of African Swine Fever, a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs.
These lockdown measures include restricting the movement of pigs and pork products within and between municipalities, conducting thorough inspections of vehicles transporting pigs, and increasing public awareness about ASF prevention.
Provincial Veterinarian Paul Miñano emphasized that the potential spread of ASF could have dire consequences for the swine industry in the province. This concern is particularly significant as some hog raisers have recently invested in piglets in anticipation of the Christmas season.
African Swine Fever is readily passed from one pig to another by direct contact with bodily fluids from an infected pig. (Photo Courtesy: Semy Ayate)
Based on the July 2023 inventory by the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are at least 57,255 swines in the province of Romblon, of which 51,920 are owned by small backyard farmers.
Miñano confirmed on Tuesday evening that more than 100 hogs in the town of San Fernando have died from a disease with symptoms similar to ASF. A blood sample from a farm in Barangay Azagra in San Fernando has tested positive for ASF.
"Itong nagpositibo sa test ay sa isang barangay lang pero kung susuriin natin ‘yung history nito base sa imbestigasyon namin, nagmula talaga ito sa Barangay Canjalon kung saan hindi iniulat sa LGU na may mga namamatay na palang mga baboy tapos ‘yung karne pa, ipinagbebenta pa sa ibang barangay,” according to Miñano.
As a result, the Department of Agriculture and the National Meat Inspection Service will hold a meeting with ProVet officials to discuss the implementation of selective depopulation, which involves culling hogs within a 500-meter radius of ASF-positive cases. (PJF/PIA Mimaropa - Romblon)
