ASF: 58 provinces still under ‘red zone’

MANILA, Philippines — Fifty-eight provinces are still classified as red zones for African swine fever or infected with ASF, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Data from the BAI’s National ASF Prevention and Control Program showed that as of May 31, hog farms in three provinces in Ilocos, five in the Cordilleras, four in Cagayan Valley, six in Central Luzon, four in Calabarzon, three in Mimaropa and five in Bicol were among those that remain infected with the swine disease.

Five provinces in Western Visayas, three in Central Visayas, four in Eastern Visayas, two each in Zamboanga peninsula and Northern Mindanao, five in Davao, two in Soccsksargen and five in Caraga are also under the red zone.

The report does not include the outbreak of ASF in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where six barangays in Lamitan, Basilan have been placed on lockdown due to rising cases of ASF.

Lamitan Mayor Roderick Furigay said the entire city has been classified as red zones.

BARMM was formerly classified as a green zone or ASF-free.

Despite the problem with ASF in 13 regions, the BAI said 453 cities and towns are now classified as pink or buffer zones.

Ninety-three municipalities were upgraded to yellow or surveillance zones from pink, the BAI said.

Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the Department of Agriculture signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Health, including its attached agencies the BAI and Food and Drug Administration, to allow the BAI to assist the FDA in evaluating animal vaccines and biologics.

Tiu Laurel said that under the MOA, the FDA would issue the license to operate to manufacturers, traders and distributors as well as retailers of veterinary drugs and products.

Aside from ASF, Tiu Laurel said highly pathogenic avian influenza has affected local poultry and hog industries.

“This MOA will significantly strengthen our fight against transboundary animal diseases,” Tiu Laurel said.

“By enhancing our regulatory framework and fostering greater cooperation among key agencies, we can better safeguard the animal industry, secure the livelihood of our farmers and mitigate the impact on our economy,” he said.