State of calamity in Zamboanga City recommended due to African Swine Fever


THE African Swine Fever quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Licomo, Zamboanga City. (City Government of Zamboanga FB)
ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) has recommended that this city be placed under a state of calamity due to the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF).

The CDRRMC, chaired by Mayor John Dalipe, approved a resolution in a meeting Friday, July 22, to address the problem that has already affected six of seven veterinary districts as of Thursday, July 21.

The CDRRMC resolution will be forwarded to the City Council for approval during its regular session Tuesday, July 26.

Dr. Mario Arriola, Office of the City Veterinarian chief, said in a statement Saturday, July 22, that the declaration of state of calamity will enable the use of funds on the barangay level to capacitate the city government to fight ASF.

During the meeting, Arriola reported that ASF infections continue to soar despite concerted and coordinated efforts to contain the animal disease.

Arriola said the ASF has already affected 733 hog raisers since the city was classified as red zone last May 23.

Hog mortalities soared to 2,775 as 746 pigs were culled due to ASF infection that has spread in 15 of the city’s 98 barangays.