ASF checkpoints set up across Luzon

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has set up livestock checkpoints across Luzon in a bid to stop the rapid spread of African swine fever (ASF) in Batangas.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the checkpoints would be a temporary measure as the government waits for the arrival of the ASF vaccines it has procured.

He noted that, as an added measure, more checkpoints would be installed until the end of the year.

Tiu Laurel said that the DA has the resources to immediately respond to the sudden outbreak of ASF cases in the country.

“We have the funds to procure the vaccines and the emergency funds to indemnify hog raisers adversely affected by the resurgence of the ASF virus,” Tiu Laurel said.

He lamented, though, the delay in securing the vaccine, which is essential to controlling the outbreak.

Several towns have declared a state of calamity following the latest ASF outbreak as the DA blames unscrupulous hog traders selling diseased pigs as contributing to the problem.

Constante Palabrica, DA assistant secretary for swine and poultry, said setting up additional border controls across Luzon could help halt the movement of diseased hogs – a significant factor in the rapid spread of ASF.

The local police, Bureau of Animal Industry and other DA personnel will man the checkpoints, which is also aimed at preventing the transport of other diseased animals, including birds.

The DA said it has identified central burial sites for hogs infected with ASF or those that have died from the virus.

At least 64 municipalities in 22 provinces have reported active ASF cases.