CAMIGUIN (PIA) -- Highlighting the efforts to boost the rehabilitation and recovery program against African swine fever (ASF), the local government appealed to the residents for continued vigilance and cooperation to prevent the outbreak in the province.

Dr. Lordgin V. Gamo, provincial veterinarian, emphasized that although the province has made progress in rehabilitation and recovery, he urged the residents to support local initiatives and adhere to regulations prohibiting the import of pork products to the province.

“Mangayo mi'g tabang sa katawhan sa Camiguin nga unta dili na magdala og karne gikan sa gawas kay bisan unsa pa ang effort nato diri sa Camiguin pero naa ang threat pirmi, balik jud ta sa sugod [We are asking help from the people of Camiguin to please refrain from bringing meat from outside because, despite our efforts here in Camiguin, if the threat remains, we always end up starting from the beginning],” said Rowland Awiten, assistant provincial veterinarian.

Recognizing the challenges of prohibiting the import of pork products from neighboring areas, Gamo emphasized that while progress has been made, sustained vigilance is still needed to prevent the disease.  

“Subo lang kay sa grabe na nato’g kampanya and effort nga mapaspas ang recovery sa ASF sa atong zone maong amo lang unta ihangyo kay dili man namo kaya na kita-kita lang, kailangan namo ang kooperasyon sa katawhan [It's disheartening because we've exerted effort for the campaign to speed up the recovery from ASF in our zone. Thus, we earnestly request cooperation from the community, as we cannot do it alone]," said Gamo.

Awiten also highlighted the importance of early detection and reporting of any suspected ASF cases. Timely intervention plays an important role in containing outbreaks and preventing further transmission within the province.

Expressing the provincial government's commitment, Gamo assured residents of support and resources to facilitate the effective implementation of the rehabilitation program. He stressed the need for cooperation and active engagement from all sectors of society, which will be beneficial in safeguarding Camiguin's agricultural sector and ensuring food security.

“Dili ni para sa amoa o sa probinsya lang, para ni sa atong tanan. Kung unsa man i-implement sa provincial government or sa municipal government diha sa inyong area, cooperate lang ta kay para na sa kaayohan sa tanan [This isn't just for us or for the province alone; it's for all of us. Whatever the provincial or municipal government implements in your area, let's cooperate because it's for the benefit of everyone],” Gamo added.

As Camiguin’s rehabilitation program progresses, collaboration between government and the people is the key to an ASF-free community, securing a prosperous future for its residents, and preserving its swine industry.

The municipalities of Catarman, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Mambajao, and Sagay were first labeled to be in the “pink zone” in the province.

Additionally, the provincial government of Camiguin oversaw the surveillance of 350 sentinel piglets to support the 272 hog farmers in the ASF-affected province. These piglets were distributed on December 15, 2023, to ensure the recovery, rehabilitation, and repopulation of said animal. The piglets will be monitored for 40 days and subjected to laboratory testing. The sentinel protocol is a science-based method that determines whether a virus or disease is still present in an area. (KAPG/PIA-10/Camiguin)