Two municipalities in Oriental Mindoro have been placed under state of calamity due to detection of African Swine Fever (ASF) cases, the province's Governor Humerlito 'Bonz' Dolor announced on Monday, Oct. 10.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Dolor said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has approved his recommendation to declare a statement of calamity in Municipality of Roxas and Mansalay.
"Ganundin, nilagdaan ko na po ang Executive Order No. 66 na naglalayong ipagbawal ang paglabas mula sa mga Bayan ng Roxas at Mansalay ang baboy o anumang produktong mula sa baboy," he said.
"Isinagawa natin ang mga hakbang na ito upang mapabilis ang mga aksyon upang hindi na kumalat ang ASF sa ibang bahagi ng lalawigan," Dolor added.
The Oriental Mindoro governor shared a copy of his letter of request addressed to SP members.
In the letter, Dolor cited latest reports from the Provinicial Veterenarian's Office (ProVet) which showed that three confirmed cases in the province originated from the barangays of Danggay and Bagumbayan in the Municipality of Roxas.
He also cited the reported mortalities from the sample taken from hogs in Municipality of Mansalay.
"AFP poses a grave threat to food security and biodiversity. While studies show that the ASF does not imperil humans, its mortality rate for pigs is one hundred percent (100%). Considering that pigs are sources of food and income for many Oriental Mindorenos, the proliferation of the virus in local pigs and farms will affect hog raisers, farmers, and the public," he said.
The Oriental Mindoro governor earlier said he requested sample tests in five more barangay in the Municipality of Roxas and Mansalay to ensure the hogs' safety.
He also ordered the establishment of check-points between the Municipalities of Roxas and Mansalay.
