ILOILO CITY – Aklan has declared a state of calamity due to an upsurge in African Swine Fever (ASF) cases in the province.
The Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Aklan Provincial Board) approved a resolution declaring a state of calamity sought by the Aklan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Council on Friday, May 19.
“The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVET) has confirmed that seven municipalities have already recorded cases of ASF within their jurisdictions, namely: Balete, Tangalan, Makato, Numancia, Kalibo, Batan, and New Washington,” the resolution said.
A state of calamity enables the Aklan provincial government to use part of its Quick Response Fund to curb the spread of ASF in the province.
The OPVET has been coordinating with the local government units (LGUs) of the seven affected towns. The OPVET and the LGUs are also assisting affected hog farms in the depopulation of infected hogs.
As of May 19, 426 pigs infected with ASF have been culled to stop the spread of the disease.