Hog raisers warned vs. ASF

Hog raisers warned vs. ASF P ovincial News

BUTUAN CITY - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte has created a task force to address the African Swine Fever (ASF) epidemic, which constitutes a threat to hog raisers and pork industries. By Jennifer P. Gaitano

According to Dr. Belen Aruelo, provincial veterinary officer, there are some 50,000 swine population recorded in the province.

“There is really a need for immediate reporting considering the threat of this African Swine Fever. Continuous monitoring should also be undertaken,” cited Aruelo.

With the overall risk of the African Swine Fever in the country, the official urges the hog raisers to report to proper authorities or call using the provincial veterinarian’s office hotline number should they observe any unusual condition of their hogs, so appropriate action or measures will be undertaken. Apart from the establishment of the said task force, Governor Dale Corvera has also issued an executive order for the inclusion of additional quarantine areas.

“We have established quarantine stations in the towns of RTR and Carmen as live pigs are said to be sourced out from these areas going to Central Visayas. And we have been doing measures to prevent the ASF,” underscored Corvera.

The order also directed a temporary prohibition of entry of hogs and meat products coming from the affected areas of ASF.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga has also activated the Emerging and ReEmerging Infectious Animal Disease Task Force to help address this concern. The local government units in the region are also keen on implementing the quarantine procedures. (JPG/NCL/ PIA-Caraga) February 8-14, 2020 Caraga Infocus 18