By PR | 06:32 PM April 27, 2024
Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Constante Palabrica has confirmed that mainland Bohol remains free from the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV).
This status was declared on April 26 at Panda Tea Garden Suites, JA Clarin, Dao, Tagbilaran City during the meeting conducted by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) with Municipal Agriculture Officers (MAOs)and Barangay Livestock Aides (BALAs).
This gathering was called to heighten the alert on the ASF in Bohol due to reported cases in Dauis, as well as to update participants in the urgency to disseminate the information on the virus.
The provincial government through the OPV in coordination with the municipal government of Dauis and barangay officials of two barangays are conducting ongoing disease investigation and blood sampling for laboratory examination to determine the extent of the disease.
Although the food sufficiency level lies at 267, the conduct of disease surveillance and immediate reporting of unusual death of swine is very important.
Meanwhile, the NDRRMO released P13.8 million for measures to counter the ASF.
Dr. Anthony Damalerio, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head, attended the meeting of MAOs, BALAs and hog raisers.
They were urged to communicate with their respective MDRRMOs and ask hog raisers to immediately report any signs and symptoms of the disease on their livestocks.
Reported suspected, probable, and confirmed cases of ASFV hog owners will receive a total of P20,000 per affected animal which includes P10,000 from the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare, P5,000 from the Department of Agriculture, and P5,000 from the
indemnification fund of the OPV.
Discussed during the meeting were directives of Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado on the ASF response, including Executive Order No. 10 Series of 2024 that mandates the PNP to set up checkpoints to control the transit of live pigs as well as fresh pork and processed pork products in the two main roads of Dauis.
This is to prevent, control and manage various swine illnesses through the cooperation of the local government of Dauis.
At the same time, Executive Order No. 13 Series of 2024 was also presented. This prohibits the transport of live pigs, cooked and uncooked pork meat, pork products and by-products from Panglao comprising the towns of Dauis and Panglao into mainland Bohol and other islands in the province for a period of 30 days.
Executive Order No. 15 Series of 2024 also declared Purok 5 of Brgy. Mayacabac and Purok 2 of Brgy. Mariveles, both in Dauis, as ASF infected premises and puroks while the remaining barangays of Dauis are quarantine areas, and the municipality of Panglao as surveillance areas.
The province of Bohol is active and vigilant in protecting its livestock and poultry industry including the P6 billion swine industry against all forms of diseases especially the highly contagious viral diseases like the ASF. (PIMO/RJG)
