By Cleizl Pardilla | PTV News
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday has assured the public that the country’s pork supply remains sufficient despite the significant increase in areas affected by African swine fever (ASF).
The number of ASF cases has surged from the 32 reported in June to 458 positive cases as of late August. New ASF cases have been recorded in Northern Luzon, including the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Pampanga.
According to Agriculture Assistant Secretary Dante Palabrica, “As of now, maraming area pa naman na puwedeng mag-supply ng baboy sa merkado.”
The Bureau of Animal Industry has implemented stricter border controls to curb the spread of ASF. A total of 15 checkpoints have been established in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, where authorities have intercepted 430 infected hogs.
The Agriculture Department is taking legal action against unscrupulous traders involved in the transport and sale of ASF-infected hogs.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa stated, “May ginawa silang mali, kailangan panagutan nila sa batas ang ginawa nila.”
On Friday, Aug. 30, the agency will begin rolling out ASF vaccines to hogs in Lobo, Batangas. This action is part of the government’s Controlled Vaccination Program, aimed at safeguarding hogs against ASF. – iro