KIDAPAWAN CITY – The African swine fever (ASF) infestation in North Cotabato province has caused the local hog industry to lose over PHP77.4 million, an official said Thursday.
Dr. Rufino Sorupia, the provincial veterinarian, said 11 out of 18 towns and a city were currently infested by ASF, which prompted all concerned agencies to join hands in stopping the infestation.
“Hog farms incurred damages despite the continuing implementation of strict boundary checkpoints throughout the province," Sorupia said.
ASF losses reached a total of PHP 77,452,500 consisting of 7,308 depopulated hogs in 77 villages from this city and the towns of Antipas, President Roxas, Makilala, Pigcawayan, Matalam, Tulunan, M’lang, Kabacan, Arakan, and Midsayap, according to the provincial veterinary office.
Two of the towns – Antipas and Makilala – have been placed under a state of calamity and directed to impose mitigation measures against the hog disease.
"Strict quarantine at control measures were imposed to identify the infested swine immediately," Sorupia said.
Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza has already formed a committee to fast-track the crafting of rules and regulations for a newly approved provincial ordinance against the disease for contingency plans.
Provincial Ordinance No. 711 created the Bantay ASF sa Barangay program, veterinary quarantine service, biosecurity, monitoring and surveillance, testing centers, and network links.
Meanwhile, random blood sampling of hogs is ongoing in coordination with the local government units and barangay officials for submission to the Soccsksargen Region’s Bureau of Animal Industry testing laboratory in General Santos City. (PNA)
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