The Department of Agriculture commends local government officials and swine industry leaders for their swift and decisive action, and sustained strong cooperation in the continued efforts to manage, control and contain African swine fever (ASF).
“The quick and firm response of our local chief executives in the provinces of Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga and Pangasinan, and Quezon City government, are indeed commendable,” said Agriculture Secretary William Dar.
He said foremost of their efforts were the strict implementation of the “1-7-10” protocol on ASF-affected barangays, and the “24-7” animal quarantine checkpoints to prevent the spread of the disease in other adjoining areas
“We greatly appreciate the initiatives and ASF measures implemented by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte; Rizal Governor Rebecca ‘Nini’ Ynarez; Rodriguez, Rizal Mayor Dennis L. Fernandez; Antipolo City Mayor Andrea B. Ynares; San Mateo, Rizal Mayor Cristina C. Diaz; Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro; Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda; Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando; Guiguinto, Bulacan Mayor Ambrocio Cruz; and Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino III; and Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso for apprehending imported canned pork products from ASF-affected countries and promoting sustained consumption of local pork and processed pork products,” Secretary Dar said.
“Despite the mounting challenges, they are deftly managing, controlling and containing ASF in their respective localities, in strong partnership with commercial hog industry partners, the PNP and the military,” he added.
Meanwhile, the DA has received ASF incident reports from several barangays in Bulacan and Pampanga, and validated disease incidence in three additional barangays in Quezon City (Tatalon, Commonwealth, and Tandang Sora).
To date, the DA Crisis Management Task Force on Swine has reported that about 12,000 head of swine tested positive of ASF in more than 20 barangays in Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga and Quezon City.
“This represents one-third of the total depopulated pigs in “ground zero” or within the one-kilometer quarantine zones, following the 1-7-10 protocol,” according to task force head Dr. Reildrin Morales.
“Our commitment to protect the health and safety of pork-consuming public and the ₱260-billion swine industry — in partnership with the LGUs, PNP, military and other government agencies and the private sector — is stronger than ever,” said Secretary Dar.
“In fact, starting last week, we have deployed 100 additional staff to support laboratory operations, and airport and checkpoint inspections, as part our elevated response in ASF- affected areas,” Secretary Dar said.
“Thus, we call on for continued vigilance and cooperation of the industry and the general public to prevent this disease from further spreading. What’s on the line is the future of the swine industry, where 65 percent is shared by small backyard raisers,” he added.
While the disease is not transferrable to humans and other animals, ASF fatally infects a swine herd. The disease has no known vaccine yet.
Finally, the DA chief appeals to traders not to buy ASF-affected hogs, and likewise backyard raisers not to sell ASF-sick pigs, as such malpractices are punishable by law. ###
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Reference:
Noel O. Reyes
DA Spokesperson and Asst. Secretary for Communications and Media Affairs
Mobile: 0928-4889686
