Different Agencies in Central Visayas to Monitor ASF

Different agencies in Central Visayas implemented strict and tight monitoring on the African Swine Fever (ASF) to prevent it from entering the region.

It was known that the ASF in the country reached its outbreak level recently, killing and infecting a large number of pigs.

Hog raisers, piggery owners and lechoneros are the ones who are most affected by the outbreak.

Meanwhile, during a forum, officials from different government agencies were invited to speak before the media to give an update on their ongoing intervention plans.

“For the DA (Department of Agriculture) we created an action plan for the intervention regarding ASF. We have monitoring activities everywhere and we really go to the field,” said Dr. Zeam Voltair Amper, Regional Livestock Coordinator of the Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas (DA)-7

Meanwhile, the Cebu provincial veterinary office on their side, told reporters that they are continuing to support the municipal task force since there are a lot of hog raisers in the province.

“We continue our monitoring on different LGUs kay naka put up naman ang task force sa mga syudad so now we support the municipal task force aside from the quarantine team,” said Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy, Cebu provincial veterinarian.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also shared their plan to stop the spread of ASF.

“We at the FDA, we focus on processed pork products imported from certain countries so we can somehow prevent the spread of the virus,” said Atty. Anabelle de Vera, Regional Director for FDA-7

de Vera also revealed that there are now 22 countries infected with ASF including the Philippines.

The FDA-7 conducts monitoring on airports and seaports to make sure that no imported pork products can enter the region. (MLC)