DA-RFO 10 presents the 312 gallons of disinfectants for distribution across the region as ASF preventive measure with (L-R) Dr. Rhea Villa Chiu, RED Carlene C. Collado, RTD Carmelita T. Bajarla and Dr. Julesben Caesar Maquiling. #
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With nearby regions stricken with the disease, the Agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) continues to intensify its preventive measures to maintain Region 10’s African Swine Fever (ASF)-free status.
Through its Regulatory Division, the department has procured 317 gallons of disinfectants amounting to ₱412,100 for distribution to the different provinces, cities and municipalities within the region.
Dr. Julesben Caesar Maquiling, Veterinarian II of DA-10 said, to combat the growing threat of ASF and other animal-related diseases in the region, the department strengthens its support to the local government units by augmenting their supplies of disinfectants.
Maquiling added, this will be sprayed on vehicles entering the region and to be used in footbaths in their veterinary quarantine checkpoints.
Further, this has been reinforced with the recent installation of automated disinfectant systems in Alae, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon and Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental, including Malaybalay Stock Farm, DA’s research station in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
As of October 28, a total of 130 gallons of disinfectants were already distributed to the DA- Bureau of Animal Industry National – Veterinary Quarantine Services-10 (DA-BAI-NVQS-10) and the provincial and city veterinary offices across the region.
Thru the veterinary quarantine checkpoints, apprehension, confiscation and condemnation of undocumented or smuggled pork meat or its by-products coming from ASF-affected areas are being enforced.
“ASF can significantly affect the hog industry in the Northern Mindanao, that is why, tighter security measures are being observed, beefing up our efforts, especially in the regional borders,” DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado explained.
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported as of first semester this year, Region 10 ranks third in hog production registering at 101,911.9 metric tons, with a swine inventory of 620,866 and 492,038 heads for backyard and commercial farms as of July 1 this year, respectively.
“By maintaining Northern Mindanao’s ASF-free status, this will also help in ensuring adequate pork supply and stabilizing pork prices,” the agency head added.
Information and education campaign efforts are being carried out by the department along with its other engagements with other national government agencies, local government units and the private sectors such as the OroVets and NorMinHog.
ASF is a fatal and contagious hemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, of which no vaccines and treatment are currently available. # (John Carl Anito)