ASF outbreak declared in three Abra towns

By Aldwin Quitasol

BANGUED, Abra --  The Provincial Government of Abra declared an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in its three municipalities as more cases of infections among their wild pig population were recorded.
    Abra Provincial Governor  Maria Jocelyn Valera-Bernos stated that the ASF outbreak was noted in the municipalities of Malibcong, Daguioman and Tineg.
    The spread of the virus is affecting the wild pigs or locally called “boka” or “alingo” by the locals.
    The provincial government will implement measures that would prevent and control the spread of the virus in neighboring towns of affected municipalities, the governor said.
    She said the transboundary animal disease with still no known cure or vaccine has been positively confirmed to affect wild pigs in Comia-as forest in the municipality of Malibcong bordering the province of Kalinga then later to the neighboring towns of Tineg and Daguioman.
    The provincial government has ordered regular disease monitoring, surveillance and investigations of swine production and hog raising, including slaughtering and butchering activities within, and along the surrounding areas of ASF-infected areas. The order also includes also the immediate reporting of disease occurrences in affected areas and areas at risk including surrounding communities.
    Quarantine areas were also identified in the province. In accordance with national guidance on ASF control, the provincial government through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist ordered the banning of transporting or swine, swine products, and by-products includinh wild pigs within 500 meters from ASF infected areas that are placed under quarantine areas.