ASF: P’sinan town in state of calamity

By Eva Visperas

CALASIAO, Pangasinan -- This town has been placed under a state of calamity due to African swine fever (ASF).

The municipal council passed a resolution on Monday declaring a state of calamity based on the recommendation of the municipal agriculturist.

Vice Mayor Mahadeva Das Medina said the declaration would ensure that the municipal government could extend assistance to affected hog traders and adopt measures to prevent the spread of the swine disease.

Quarantine checkpoints were set up in seven barangays where hogs were affected by ASF.

In Mangaldan, Mayor Mary Marilyn Lambino ordered blood tests of hogs raised in backyard piggeries.

At least 21 pigs in Barangay Bateng were reportedly affected by ASF.

“As a matter of procedure, the Department of Agriculture ordered a lockdown within the one-kilometer radius from where hogs were infected with ASF,” Lambino said.

Mapandan, Bayambang, Binmaley, Malasiqui and San Carlos City had earlier declared a state of calamity due to ASF.

ASF outbreaks were also reported in Dagupan City, Sta. Barbara , Lingayen, Aguilar and Mangatarem.