ASF reported in Bonbon pigs

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) is now implementing border controls to monitor the entry of pigs into the city following the reports of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City.

“Please be informed nga Bonbon is ASF positive. Please don’t allow nga naay Baboy from Bonbon mosulod sa inyong lugar. Advise mga pig farmers not to allow mga viajero mosulod sa inyong lugar,” Doctor Alice Utlang, head of the Cebu City DVMF told the media yesterday.

Utlang is also asking the swine farmers to prohibit the entry of travelers to their respective farms, conduct disinfection, and to also follow biosecurity protocols.

This came after at least seven pigs were reported to have died last Sunday and tested for ASF during antigen testing. Utlang, however, said that although these pigs have visible signs of ASF, they still have to wait for the result of a confirmatory test for official verification.

These signs include fever, reddish spots, and nosebleeding.

“As per interview of our Livestock DSS Prevention and Control head, sa farmer gapasulod siya ug viajero sa iyang farm which bawal g’yud as part of biosecurity measures,” Utlang said, referring to the possible root of the ASF.

Viajero is another term for a middleman who sells the farm pigs to other parties.

Currently, Utlang said they will be continuing the efforts of testing and border controls. She, however, said that farmers can still save their livestock if they firmly follow the protocols.

The World Organization for Animal Health has defined ASF is a highly-contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, whose mortality rate can reach 100%. It is not a danger to human health, but it has devastating effects on pig populations and the farming economy. — (FREEMAN)