CEBU CITY – A barangay in an African Swine Fever (ASF)-hit town in Bohol is already free from the highly contagious virus.
The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) has confirmed that Barangay Dao in Dauis is already ASF-free based on the recent test results from the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratories.
Despite the recent development, provincial veterinarian Dr. Stella Marie Lapiz still advised pig farmers in Dauis to refrain from resuming pig farming until the ASF outbreak in nearby barangays is fully contained.
During the distribution of cash assistance in Barangay Mayacabac, Lapiz emphasized that the OPV would place a pig in pens within the affected barangays.
Monthly blood samples will be taken from these pigs for laboratory tests. If the pigs remain ASF-free as they mature, it means hog raisers can safely resume pig farming.
Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado has tasked the Provincial Cooperative Development Office to work closely with the OPV and the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development to support the affected hog raisers.
This includes organizing livelihood assistance and providing resources such as pig pens, chicken coops, and feed.
On June 7, the provincial government distributed cash assistance to hog raisers in Barangays Dao, Mariveles, and Mayacabac.
Acting Gov. Dionisio Victor Balite led the distribution of P266,000 in indemnification funds – P5,000 for each large pet, P3,000 for weaned pigs, and P1,000 for piglets.