ASF spreads to 7 Ilocos Norte towns

MANILA, Philippines — Farmers in Ilocos Norte have expressed alarm over the spread of African swine fever (ASF) in the province, which they said has affected seven towns.

Aside from Solsona, Marcos, Nueva Era and Dingras, Vintar, Banna and Carasi were included in the so-called ASF red zone, according to the Alyansa dagiti Mannalon iti Ilocos Norte, the provincial chapter of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP).

In Vintar and Banna, the group said around 600 hogs have been culled since July.

“Farmers and backyard hog raisers need immediate economic assistance. They have lost their main source of livelihood,” KMP leader Danilo Ramos said.

Ramos disputed Agriculture Secretary William Dar’s declaration that there are only 147 areas in the country with active ASF cases.

While the number of cases dropped, Ramos said 541 towns and cities remain under the red zone.

Ramos said the Department of Agriculture (DA)’s Bureau of Animal Industry failed to curb the spread of the swine disease in the country and acted haphazardly when the situation was out of control.

The peasant organization  slammed the DA for resorting to the importation of pork and meat products.

“Instead of massive culling without indemnification, the DA must undertake massive testing of hogs and provide sufficient and quick indemnification. Intensive support and subsidies for local small hog raisers should be ensured amid strict border control and quarantine,” Ramos said.