CAPIZ — The Provincial Government of Capiz has issued Advisory No. 1 through the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian following the alarming rise in African Swine Fever (ASF) cases, urging farmers, livestock raisers, and the public to remain vigilant and strictly observe disease prevention measures.
The advisory outlines key guidelines aimed at containing the spread of ASF, which continues to pose a serious threat to the province’s swine industry.
Recent laboratory tests conducted by the Regional Animal Diseases and Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) VI confirmed that blood samples collected from pigs in the municipalities of Panitan and Pontevedra, as well as in Roxas City, tested positive for ASF.
Provincial authorities said the confirmed cases indicate that ASF has become endemic in the area. They also noted that fluctuating weather conditions in recent weeks may have contributed to the rapid spread of the disease, increasing the risk to swine farms across the province.
Under Advisory No. 1, farmers, hog raisers, and others engaged in the swine industry are urged to immediately report any unusual illness or sudden deaths among pigs to their respective Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) or City Veterinary/Agriculture Office (CVO). Early reporting is considered vital in preventing further transmission and enabling authorities to implement immediate containment measures.
The advisory also directs pig farmers to strengthen farm biosecurity by restricting access to unauthorized visitors, thoroughly disinfecting transport vehicles, farm equipment, and footwear, isolating sick animals, and prohibiting swill feeding or the use of food scraps and kitchen waste, which significantly increase the risk of contamination.
Consumers, meanwhile, are advised to buy pork and pork products only from licensed and reputable vendors accredited by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) or certified by local authorities to help ensure food safety and prevent the spread of ASF through the meat supply chain.
The provincial government likewise reiterated the prohibition on the illegal sale, emergency disposal, and unregulated slaughter of sick or dead pigs, warning that violators will face appropriate legal sanctions.
Officials emphasized that heightened public awareness and cooperation among farmers, industry stakeholders, and communities are crucial in protecting Capiz’s swine industry and safeguarding the province’s agricultural economy.
The public is encouraged to take the advisory seriously and coordinate closely with local agriculture offices for concerns, updates, and other information regarding the ASF situation./PN
