In light of the fact that only few areas are currently affected by African Swine Fever (ASF), the Department of Agriculture (DA) has stated that a national state of emergency is not warranted at this time.
Currently, ASF has been reported in eight cities across Batangas province.
Agriculture assistant secretary and spokesperson Arnel de Mesa mentioned that the DA is making intensive efforts to prevent the further spread of the virus.
Additionally, he reported that over 1,500 pigs have been depopulated while mass testing continues to identify other areas affected by ASF in Batangas.
However, the DA admits that ASF has spread rapidly this year. Within just a few days, 40 barangays have quickly reported cases of ASF.
"Lobo, Lian, Rosario, Calatagan, and then Lipa City. So limang sites 'yung nagkaroon ng bagong cases. Sa ibang area, resurgence na 'to," de Mesa mentioned during a press briefing.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. initially announced the purchase of 600,000 doses of ASF vaccine, costing PHP 350 million.
Areas classified as red and pink zones, identified by the DA’s barometric system as having high virus cases, will be prioritized for vaccination.
The DA has reassured the public that consuming pork poses no health risk, as ASF does not spread to humans, unlike bird flu.
To prevent ASF-infected pigs from entering slaughterhouses, the Bureau of Animal Industry and the National Meat Inspection Service have tightened their monitoring efforts at the borders and processing facilities in Batangas.
