MANILA, Philippines — African swine fever (ASF) is now a national concern as it has spread to 16 regions in the country, a ranking official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said yesterday.
President Marcos was already informed on the extent of the problem, said DA Assistant Secretary and deputy spokesman Rex Estoperez.
“It’s a national concern, even though we are continuously importing pork. We don’t want this to cause a spike in our importation which is detrimental to our local raisers,” Estoperez said.
He confirmed the data obtained by The STAR from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) that at least 16 regions in the country are now infected with ASF – an infectious viral disease that affects pigs. The data also showed that only Metro Manila has no cases.
The affected regions include the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen and Caraga.
As for the provinces, the BAI said at least 54 are already affected. Those that are still ASF-free are Ilocos Sur, La Union, Batanes, Quirino, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon, Albay, Aklan, Antique, Bukidnon and Misamis Occidental.
The first case, according to the BAI data, was recorded in the BARMM after an outbreak in South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur.
Estoperez also pointed out that at least 12 areas in Cebu have ASF cases. These cases were recorded in the cities of Cebu, Bogo, Carcar, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Talisay as well as in Cordova, Liloan, Minglanilla, San Fernando, Sibonga and Tuburan towns.
“That’s viral infection, that’s why the spread is fast. According to the experts at BAI we really have a shortage (in the supply) and we will have the final figure at the end of this month, which is this week. We will feel the shortage in the second quarter of the year,” Estoperez said.
The DA, he added, is reaching out to Cebu’s local government units (LGUs) to harmonize the implementation of measures to prevent the further spread of the virus.
“What is important is to stop the blame game as we are committed to provide our resources. We are ready to help the LGUs. We are following the protocol, the national protocol from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). What is important is we talk to ensure cooperation as this does not only affect the DA and Cebu. This is a national concern,” he also said.
The WOAH protocol provides for a depopulation of the area (500-meter radius) affected by ASF.
Estoperez reiterated his call for the public to stop back bringing pork and pork products while traveling, especially with the expected increase in people travel during the Holy Week.
“Pork, whether cooked or fresh, is prohibited while traveling. Port personnel are empowered to confiscate these products. The ASF can also spread through shoes and clothes,” he noted.
Estoperez also called on LGUs to report any ASF outbreak to prevent it from spreading further.