Cebu remains ASF-free

CEBU, Philippines — The Province of Cebu remains safe from the highly contagious African Swine Fever (ASF) affecting domestic and feral swine.

Base on the latest ASF Zoning Status released by the Bureau of Animal Industry, Cebu remains ASF-free.

"ASF-free ta. Green zone gihapon," Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy, provincial veterinarian, told The Freeman.

 The Cebu Provincial Veterinary Office with the National African Swine Fever Prevention and Control Program (NASFPCP) and the Regional Veterinary Quarantine Station RVQS in Central Visayas conducted a meeting in July 12 renewing the guidelines and policies implemented against ASF.

 One of the discussions was the Bantay ASF sa Barangay (BABay ASF) Program, guidelines on animal movement among others.

According to the Capitol, the continuing partnership between the Province of Cebu and the private stakeholders plays a huge role in protecting the P11 billion hog industry of the province.

Stakeholders that are partners of Cebu Province in protecting the swine industry include the Central Visayas Pork Producers Cooperative, Bantayan Island Layer Raiser Hog Association, Cebu Backyard Swine Raisers, Pro Pork, Universal Feeds, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries and the local government units.

 Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has banned the entry to Cebu of live hogs from areas infected by ASF like Luzon and Mindanao.

 Vincoy said the EO issued by the governor remains, which means the Capitol won't let their guard down and continue to strictly monitor its borders.

"Walay changes. Continue ang iya mga EO," Vincoy said. — FPL (FREEMAN)