The Department of Agriculture through the Crisis Management Task Force (CMTF) continues to vigorously implement the “1-7-10 Protocol.”

Our partners in the industry have agreed to provide assistance to complement our initiatives, as well as those from concerned local government units (LGUs), alongside strict implementation of technical support measures.

The measures include:

• Continued surveillance of swine farms, particularly backyard operations; and
• Guiding farmers on how to implement good husbandry practices, including bio-security measures, to promote good animal health.

To strengthen our monitoring and quarantine services, we are also strongly coordinating with the Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), military, and concerned Provincial Governors and City/ Municipal Mayors. Said cooperation is meant to ensure that the suspected pathogens will not spread any further.

We assure the general public that all necessary quarantine measures are in place.

Secondly, all meat establishments are required to secure their respective permits from the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) or respective LGUs.

We assure the general public that fresh meat and meat products sold in markets are safe for human consumption.

Lastly, we received assurance from our partners in the private sector that there is enough supply of meat in the market.

We continue to conduct field surveillance of areas outside the affected areas.

Our field reports show that all of the backyard hog raisers, who experienced the suspected disease, practice swill feeding. It is being eyed as one of the causes of the suspected disease.

Swills are considered solid waste which handling, transport, and disposal are regulated by the Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003). Thus transport, handling, disposal and sale of swill without proper permits and not in accordance with the existing regulations are unlawful.

For inquiries, we urge hog raisers to immediately report disease incidents to their respective Municipal, City or Provincial Veterinary Office or call the DA Crisis Management Task Force at 09951329339 (Globe) at 09208543119 (Smart).