CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Sep 10 (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 4A has been continuously providing assistance and various interventions to hog raisers in the region affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF).
In a statement, Regional Director Arnel V. de Mesa reported that a total of P153,596,000 million worth of indemnification has already been distributed by the regional office to ASF-affected farmers.
“Aside from that, DA CALABARZON provides alternative livelihoods such as livestock modules that include cattle, goats, and poultry; and mushroom production packages so that they can still have income while being hit by this infectious virus,” the director said.
The regional agriculture chief added that its office has already depopulated a total of a total of 240 hogs from backyard farms in Calamba City, Calauan, Los Baños, Pangil, and Sta. Cruz as of September 4. Director de Mesa said DA’s depopulation protocol has been reduced by a radius of 500 meters.
He said the virus is highly contagious, and that its mode of transmission is by moving of pigs or pork by-products, vehicles, and workers from an infected farm to a non-infected farm.
“While there are no human consequences, pigs can quickly contract the ASF virus that is why we should be very vigilant during transportation because there is no treatment or vaccine for this virus,” he said.
The regional director also announced that Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar tasked DA CALABARZON to issue ASF-free certificates to those cities, municipalities, or farms not infected by the virus. He said that this will ensure that food supplies are moved more efficiently and securely from one uninfected area to another.
Director de Mesa, meanwhile, encouraged farmers to report immediately if they find any of these signs that occur on their farms.
“The faster you communicate to your local government units, through the city or municipal agriculture office, the faster we can respond and take action. With your cooperation, we can control the spread of this infectious disease,” the regional director said. (PIA4A/DA4A)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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