LUNA, Apayao – The Office of Agricultural Services of Calanasan, Apayao reported that the municipality recorded 122 African Swine Fever mortalities from September 1 to October 8.
Fifteen farmers were affected – 12 from Poblacion, two from Sabangan, and one from Eleazar.
Calanasan Mayor Shamir M. Bulut signed Executive Order No. 10 temporarily prohibiting the movement of live swine and pork products within the municipality to stem the transmission of ASF cases.
The municipal government is actively monitoring and conducting surveillance within a 500-meter radius of affected farms.
An information, education, and communication campaign is being implemented for ASF prevention among local swine raisers.
In 2021, 801 hogs, including 106 from the local government’s demo farm, died and 145 famers were affected due to ASF in Calanasan.
This increased farmers' understanding on the need to report indicators of disease in pigs and following biosecurity measures.
The local government is exploring funding opportunities for future vaccine availability against ASF.
Dr. Reah Vivian M. Piagan, Veterinarian II and Municipal Livestock Focal Person, emphasized the importance of community cooperation in this fight against ASF.
“They should strengthen the care of their farmland to prevent ASF. As for those who are affected, they have to go through the right process and rules.”
Piagan hopes to obtain a vaccine soon and looks forward to securing funding from the provincial government.