Pending confirmatory test: Cebu City is still ASF-free - Garcia

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City acting Mayor Raymond Garcia said the city is still considered free from African Swine Fever (ASF) pending the result of the confirmatory test despite the reported cases in one of the upland barangays.

Garcia said he sat down with Doctor Alice Utlang, head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF), to discuss the protocols in handling ASF cases after the latter confirmed to reporters on July the presence of ASF in Barangay Bonbon.

During the interview, Utlang confirmed that seven pigs died and tested positive in an antigen test. She, however, said that a confirmatory test will have to be done to officially declare the ASF presence in the area.

Garcia said he instructed Utlang to conduct the second round of testing within 15 days. This is also part of the containment measures to prevent the infection from spreading.

"Once naa na ang second round of testing and naa gihapoy positive then we should be alarmed," said Garcia.

Should the second round of testing prove otherwise, Garcia said they will rule out ASF.

"For now, I am in the opinion that it is still premature to say that Cebu City is ASF-infected pending that 15-day period and that second round of testing," he added.

Garcia, however, assured that the situation remains under control as DVMF already implemented the necessary protocols.

Previously, Utlang said they are intensifying their border controls among the piggeries in the city.

It was previously reported that the DVMF is implementing border control to monitor the entry of pigs into the city following the reported infection in Barangay Bonbon.

“Please be informed nga Bonbon is ASF positive. Please don’t allow nga naay Baboy from Bonbon mo sulod sa inyong lugar. Advise mga pig farmers not to allow mga viajero mo sulod sa inyong lugar,” Utlang told the media in a written statement on July 16, 2024.

Likewise, Utlang asked the swine farmers to prohibit the entry of travelers to their respective farms, conduct disinfection, and to also follow biosecurity protocol. —  (FREEMAN)