ROXAS City – This city has intensified its land and sea border controls as compliance to the order of Capiz governor Fredenil Castro following the first case of African Swine Fever (ASF) recorded in Iloilo province.
According to Mayor Ronnie Dadivas, the city government formed and activated its local ASF task force.
Dadivas added that checkpoint will be conducted as well as the implementation of strict veterinary quarantine procedures and food safety measures on the movement of swine, pork, pork products, and by-products.
These will be carried out in Culasi Port, Roxas City Airport, Libas Fishing Port, Banica Wharf, Punta Cogon, Cogon, and other areas in Roxas City.
“The general public is hereby advised to cooperate in our precautionary measures to save our city from the African Swine Fever,” the city government said in an advisory.
Castro’s Executive Order (EO) No. 29 specifically mandates the Provincial ASF Task Force to ensure all precautionary measures are implemented.
The task force is mandated to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture and other stakeholders in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of effective and appropriate measures on the prevention and control of ASF in the province of Capiz and ensure the implementation of quarantine and biosecurity measures.
“There is a need to intensify preventive measures and strict implementation of veterinary quarantine procedures and food safety measures on the movement and entry of swine pork, pork products, and by-products, whether fresh, frozen, cooked or processed to protect the hog industry in the province from the possible threat of ASF and its economic effects,” the EO further stated./PN
