IN BICOL: DA warns against ASF

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) in Bicol is intensifying efforts to contain the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) following its recent resurgence in the region, particularly in the provinces of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Masbate.

According to Lovella P. Guarin, the DA’s regional spokesperson, ASF cases have been reported in 12 municipalities across these three provinces.

In Camarines Sur, the affected municipalities are Baao, Pili, Nabua, Ocampo, Bula, Libmanan, and Presentacion, with cases detected from July to August 2024. In Masbate, the towns of Claveria and San Pascual have reported active cases that emerged this August. Meanwhile, in Catanduanes, ASF recurrences have been observed in the municipalities of Caramoran, Virac, and Pandan, affecting three barangays.

From July to August 2024, a total of 209 swine have been depopulated as part of the DA’s containment efforts.

The DA is also monitoring 11 municipalities in Bicol classified as red zones. These are Camaligan in Camarines Sur; Labo, Daet, Mercedes, San Vicente, and Talisay in Camarines Norte; San Jacinto, Milagros, Mobo, and San Fernando in Masbate; and Donsol in Sorsogon. These areas remain in the red zone category as more than 90 days have passed since the last reported ASF case. To progress to the pink zone, these municipalities must submit required documents, including ordinances on the adoption of the BABay ASF Program, farmers’ registries, and records of ASF history and biosecurity training.

To curb the spread of ASF, the DA Bicol is urging hog raisers and local government units (LGUs) to implement the Bantay ASF sa Barangay or BABay ASF program.

“The Department of Agriculture in Bicol calls for strong support and cooperation from the Local Government Units in implementing the Bantay ASF sa Barangay or BABay ASF program to prevent and

control African Swine Fever, especially as new cases have been reported in 12 municipalities across Camarines Sur, Masbate, and Catanduanes,” Guarin said.

To quickly control the resurgence of ASF in the identified towns, the DA Bicol and LGUs have undertaken the depopulation of hogs within a 500-meter radius of the affected areas. Additionally, border controls around the affected municipalities have been strengthened, with monitoring by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) - Veterinary Quarantine Service.

The recurrence of ASF in these provinces has been coordinated with the concerned provincial and local governments for the strict implementation of BABay ASF protocols and guidelines.

Under Republic Act 7160, the Local Government Code of 1991, LGUs are responsible for sharing the management and maintenance of ecological balance within their jurisdictions with the national government. This partnership aims to foster self-reliant communities and support the attainment of national goals. The national government is mandated to provide technical assistance and regular monitoring to ensure continuous improvement in LGU performance and community life.

The DA Bicol is also urging the public, especially meat consumers, to remain vigilant, as they play a crucial role in preventing and controlling ASF. Some ASF recurrences have been traced back to contaminated processed meat apprehended by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).

The DA warns the public against purchasing processed meat from ambulant vendors with unknown sources, as these products may come from ASF-infected areas.

“Safe meat comes from animals slaughtered in accredited slaughterhouses. Meat processors should avoid sourcing meat from ASF-affected areas and must not process double-dead meat from pigs that have died of disease, particularly ASF. Maintaining cleanliness in the work area through regular cleaning and disinfection is essential,” Guarin emphasized.

For hog raisers, Guarin reiterated that they are the first line of defense against ASF.

“The DA urges hog raisers to improve production and management practices. This includes regular cleaning and disinfection of pig pens using effective disinfectants like chlorine. DIY disinfectants such as pure vinegar, soda ash (1 kilo of soda ash mixed with 25 liters of water), and bleach (1 spoon of bleach dissolved in 1 liter of water) are also effective. Limiting visitors to the hog production area and avoiding the feeding of kitchen waste, which may be contaminated with ASF, are crucial preventive measures,” she advised.

Recent reports indicate that ASF-infected hogs have not exhibited the usual symptoms such as red, discolored skin or lesions, diarrhea, vomiting, high fever, or respiratory distress. Instead, only a loss of appetite followed by sudden death has been observed.

“If these symptoms or other unusual signs occur in your piggery, immediately report to the Municipal Agriculture Office. The municipal veterinarian or extension worker will collect blood samples and send them to the DA Bicol Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) to identify the disease,” Guarin said.

Pigs infected with ASF.