Four cases of African swine fever (ASF) were recently reported in Capiz province.
The Provincial Veterinarian Office, headed by Dr. Leonel Abordo, conducted laboratory diagnostics on February 22 after the numerous deaths of pigs in Barangay Canapian, Maayon.
The collected samples were tested by the Regional Animal Diseases and Diagnostic Laboratory in Iloilo City and came out positive for ASF.
The local government has increased land and sea border controls in accordance with Capiz Governor Fredenil Castro’s Executive Order (EO) No. 29, which specifically directs the Provincial ASF Task Force to ensure that all preventative measures are implemented all over Capiz.
“We are closely monitoring barangay Canapian kag ang mga neighboring barangays so that kabalo kita kung nagadamo, nadula o nacontain naton ang ASF in the municipality,” Provincial Information Officer Luvim Amores said.
The local government is also collaborating with the Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas and other localities about the ASF.
Checkpoints will also be implemented, as well as strict veterinary quarantine procedures and food safety precautions for the movement of swine, pork, pork products, and by-products.
The provincial government emphasizes that the infection will not affect human health, but reminds the Capiznons to carefully check stamped meats in the market before purchasing.
“Bisan makaconsume kita sang meat nga infected sang ASF indi man ina majorly makaaffect sa aton. Pero and dako nga impact sini is sa aton economy, damo madulaan trabaho nga nagabaligya sang baboy.” Amores said.
