DA steps up measures vs ASF in Western Visayas

ILOILO CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Region 6 (DA-6) is taking the lead in measures against the spread of African swine fever (ASF) in Western Visayas region, following a new outbreak recorded Leyte.

“We have to heighten the border restriction, quarantine, and disinfection measures in all ports of entry,” said DA-6 Regional Director Remelyn Recoter.

DA-6 is hoping that the region will remain in the green zone category, or free from ASF cases.

“We cannot compromise the ₱20-billion hog industry of Western Visayas,” Recoter pointed out.

Recoter is calling on Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and agriculturists from the local governments of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental provinces and the highly urbanized cities of Iloilo and Bacolod to step up their respective measures against ASF contamination.

So far, only the provincial governments of Antique, Capiz and Negros Occidental have issued executive orders to restrict pork and pork-based products from Leyte.

Recoter is urging other local governments to make its own amended bans on pork and pork-based products.

Meanwhile, DA-6 is backing the construction of the slaughterhouse in Sibalom town, Antique province.