THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said the hog sector is prepared against the possible threat of African swine fever (ASF) resurgence during the rainy season.
The DA made the remark after the country logged an ASF resurgence during the third quarter of 2024, with initial cases recorded in Lobo, Lian, Rosario, Calatagan, and Lipa City in Batangas.
“Kung papasok man iyong tag-ulan at iyong pinangangambahan ng ating mga magba-baboy na third quarter storm, naka-ready sila (Once the rainy season starts and the looming threat of hog raisers about the third quarter storm, they are ready). Again based on the experience kung paano solusyunan at agapan na hindi tumaas iyong kaso ng (on how to solve and mitigate the rise in cases of) ASF,” DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said in a press conference.
De Mesa said water can act as a vector of viruses, particularly the ASF.
He, however, noted that the government-controlled vaccination using the AVAC live vaccines from Vietnam has been rolling out in Central Luzon and Calabarzon.
“Coming from the experience last year and the solution that was presented, at ginawa ng ating mga stakeholders at saka ng (the actions of our stakeholders and the) DA in partnership with the LGU, nakita natin na effective iyong bakuna doon sa mga lugar na naapektuhan (we saw that the vaccines are effective in the affected areas),” he added.
The vaccination said has significantly reduced the ASF cases in the country, “from almost 600 active barangays with active cases, practically it was reduced to less than 30 this year.”
As of May 23, barangays with active cases of ASF declined to 45 in 16 cities and municipalities from 67 barangays on May 9.| – Stephanie Sevillano, PNA
