The ASF scare

Weeks into the presence of the African Swine Fever in Cebu, towns and cities are now on their feet. Quarantine checkpoints are now in place from one jurisdiction to another, just like during the enhanced community quarantine. The veterinarians and agriculture personnel of every area are now conducting surveillance activities to make sure that no hog in their area would also test positive. It is a scary disease that might affect this billion-peso industry that Cebu has tried so hard to protect.

Cebu is known to be a hub for pork and its dishes. We are known around the world for our roasted pig or "lechon". Tourists flock to our stalls to eat these delectable dishes. We put ourselves on the map. Since 2019, we have strived to be free from this virus. Things changed only when samples from the slaughterhouse in Carcar City showed the presence of the virus.

But Governor Gwen may be correct when she said that the hogs may not be infested by ASF. If she noticed that the transmission is not as fast or that the hogs were healthy, then it must not be ASF. I like how she approaches certain situations --with practicality and sense. It is so easy for authorities to say that these hogs must be culled, not minding the expense and effort in raising these animals. They were also from hard-earned money.

If the governor has ordered the stop to the culling for a week, then she knows that it would be beneficial for those who are affected by the situation. Similar to her response during the pandemic, she based the loosening of restrictions on her study and on facts that support her claim. I couldn't imagine if she did not stand her ground during the non-obligatory use of face masks. We would still be behind the rest of the world by now.

It is true that ASF is threatening our hog industry and the health of our animals in general but we must not contribute to the already-dire situation of those involved in selling pork and its products. The Department of Health already said that it will not affect humans, let us believe in that. There is no need to be scared. The problem now only lies with the hog farmers who must secure their animals.

We are going three weeks into this scare and there are many events that could unravel. I hope that from the red zone Cebu and other areas will soon be able to get back on their feet. I pity those who rely on hog raising as a business, more so those who make lechon and other pork products. Just like the height of the pandemic, we can also brave through it. It is a scare yes, but one that is manageable. In a week's time, we would see if it is really ASF. Let's hope that it isn't. Proper contact tracing must take place.