MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Monday that there are no expected price spikes in pork despite the resurgence of African swine fever (ASF) cases in Batangas.
The DA made the statement after the Batangas Provincial Veterinary Office reported ASF cases in Lobo, Lian, Rosario, Calatagan, and Lipa City.
In an interview, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said retail prices should not increase because pork supply is primarily sourced from Central Luzon.
“Hindi naman (tataas) kasi iyong Central Luzon naman is okay naman (It should not spike because Central Luzon is still okay),” he said.
As of August 2, pork prices in Metro Manila range from PHP285 per kilogram to PHP380/kg. of pork ham (kasim); and PHP320/kg. to PHP400/kg. for pork liempo.
In Calabarzon, de Mesa said the resurgence in Batangas may only cause a minimal effect on the supply considering higher pork production in Rizal.
De Mesa, however, said the rainy season has contributed to the reports of ASF cases alongside continuous movements of travelers.
“Ang water is primary vector ng (of) virus. So kapag may mga baha, mas mabilis kumalat ang virus, lalo na iyong (Water is the primary vector of virus. So, when there’s flood, virus spreads faster, especially the) ASF. It was proven so many times,” he said.
Besides stricter biosecurity measures in the province, de Mesa underscored the need for vaccinations to combat ASF.
Earlier, the DA confirmed its plan to roll out the government-controlled vaccinations using AVAC live vaccines from Vietnam in the third quarter of the year., following the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s issuance of the certificate of product registration (CPR).
The DA eyes to distribute 600,000 doses of AVAC live vaccines for growers nationwide, with priorities set for red and pink zones.
As of July 26, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) reported 150 barangays in 45 towns under red zones or those with active ASF cases.
These include the 10 affected barangays in Lobo, two in Lian, and one in Lipa City in Batangas.
To date, there are 476 cities and municipalities in the country that have been upgraded to pink zones or buffer areas adjacent to infected zones. (PNA)
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