ASF COUNTERMEASURES. Two of the several ASF border checkpoints set up along the Antipas-President Roxas Highway in North Cotabato province to inspect the possible entry of swine and its byproducts. The checkpoints were put up following the resurgence of ASF cases in five villages of three towns in the province. (Photo by John Andrew Tabugoc)
KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato – The provincial government imposed preventive measures to contain the new spike of African swine fever (ASF) infestation in North Cotabato, depopulating around 128 hogs as of Tuesday.
Eliseo Mangliwan, the provincial government's ASF focal person, said the hogs were depopulated in five villages in three towns affected by the resurgence of ASF cases.
He said the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian has coordinated with the local government units to fully implement the border checkpoints in every village and closely monitor biosecurity measures among hog raisers.
The affected areas include Barangays Poblacion and Magsaysay in Antipas town, San Vicente in Makilala, and Poblacion and Idaoman in President Roxas.
"This is a multi-million industry that must be protected to ensure the stable supply and affordable prices available in the market," Mangliwan said.
Earlier, Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza ordered all local chief executives, agencies, and other stakeholders to enforce stricter protocols to stop the spread of ASF from ground zero to neighboring towns.
During a recent coordination meeting, Mendoza said local officials agreed to implement several measures controlling the movement and selling of swine, pork, and other value-added products within a 5-kilometer radius from ground zero.
A provincial-wide information campaign was also launched to raise awareness and strengthen ASF monitoring activities, while Bantay sa Barangay Kontra ASF teams were activated.
Hog owners within a 500-meter radius whose swine test negative for the disease should also obtain an ASF-free certification from the Municipal Agriculture Office within seven days and then sell the hogs within the village. (PNA)
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